Different Ways to Study Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
Śrīla Prabhupāda strictly delineates the proper method of approaching the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, contrasting it with unauthorized and speculative attempts. He teaches that this scripture is not a playground for intellectual gymnastics or sentimental displays but a scientific presentation of the Absolute Truth that requires a bona fide guide. To derive the true benefit, Śrīla Prabhupāda insists that one must abandon imaginative interpretations and study the text with sincerity, scrutiny, and a sense of urgency.
Prerequisites and Authorization
Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes a clear hierarchy in spiritual education, stating that the Bhagavad-gītā is the preliminary study required to qualify for the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. He explains that without understanding the fundamental instructions of the Gītā, attempting to understand the Bhāgavatam is useless. Furthermore, he emphasizes the necessity of hearing from a self-realized soul, citing the example of Lord Caitanya Himself.
- Bhagavad-gita is the preliminary study of spiritual life. If you can understand Bhagavad-gita, then you can begin Srimad-Bhagavatam. If you have not understood Bhagavad-gita, it is useless. You cannot understand Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- In accordance with the instructions of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, he continuously rendered service to his mother and father for four years. He also regularly studied Srimad-Bhagavatam from a self-realized Vaisnava.
- Srimad-Bhagavatam is so scientifically presented that any sincere student of this great science will be able to understand the science of God simply by reading it with attention or simply by regularly hearing it from the bona fide speaker.
The Dangers of Imaginative Study
His Divine Grace issues strong warnings against "asuras" who, sometimes dressed as renounced monks, explain the scriptures according to their own imagination. Śrīla Prabhupāda condemns the practice of jumping prematurely to the confidential pastimes of Kṛṣṇa with the gopīs, noting that such unauthorized study often leads material opportunists to indulge in illicit behavior in the name of religion.
- Asuras in the dress of sannyasis even explain the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam in different ways according to their own imaginations. Thus they continue to remain asuras birth after birth.
- Try to understand Vedanta philosophy. Unfortunately, when we study Bhagavata we immediately jump over Krsna-lila with the gopis. That is not the process.
- By such improper study or hearing of Bhagavatam, the material opportunists have played havoc by indulgence in sex life in the name of Bhagavatam.
Sincerity, Scrutiny, and Urgency
Śrīla Prabhupāda advises that the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam must be studied from "all angles of vision" rather than through mere sentiment. He contrasts the seven days of assured life possessed by Mahārāja Parīkṣit with our own precarious situation, urging us to read with extreme seriousness as we may not even have seven minutes left.
- There are so many things to understand from Srimad-Bhagavatam, full knowledge, all knowledge, as it is required by the human society. So we have to study from all angles of vision, not simply by sentiment. This is Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- Lord Caitanya's spiritual master instructed Him that one must read Srimad-Bhagavatam regularly and with scrutiny to gradually become attached to the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.
- Pariksit Maharaja had only seven days left in his life; therefore he hurriedly finished the reading of Bhagavatam. But, of course, he had seven days assured. We haven't got seven minute assured.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is accessible to anyone who approaches it with sincerity and follows the authorized process. He warns that imaginative or sentimental study is futile, whereas a scrutinized study under the guidance of a bona fide authority leads to the manifestation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead within the heart.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Different Ways to Study the Srimad-Bhagavatam. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.