Authoritative Directions from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam for a Successful Life
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam serves as the supreme guide for humanity, offering clear and authoritative directions on how to achieve the ultimate goal of life. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights that this scripture provides the solution to the struggle for existence, guiding the sincere seeker from material confusion to the perfection of eternal life. By following its instructions, one can bypass superficial societal achievements and attain true spiritual success.
Guidance from the Bona Fide Spiritual Master
Understanding the confidential truths of the Vedas requires more than independent study; it demands the guidance of a realized soul. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam directs the inquisitive student to surrender to a guru in the disciplic succession to solve the fundamental questions of existence.
- Although everyone is free to consult the revealed scriptures in this connection, one still requires the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master, and that is the direction in this verse - SB 2.9.36.
- One who is imbued with sincere inquiries must ask the bona fide spiritual master in the disciplic succession from Brahmaji, and that is the direction given here.
- In the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is directed, tasmad gurum prapadyeta (SB 11.3.21): "One should surrender to a spiritual master." Tasmad gurum prapadyeta jijnasuh. Who will surrender? Who has become very inquisitive - What is God?.
The Process of Sankirtana-yajna
For the current age, the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam gives a specific prescription for spiritual advancement: the chanting of the holy names. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that this direction is not optional but must be rigidly followed to please the incarnation of God for this age, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
- In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Eleventh Canto, it is explicitly directed that one should perform sankirtana-yajna to please the Lord's incarnation as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This should be rigidly followed in order to achieve the result of yajna performance.
- On the basis of scriptures like Srimad-Bhagavatam, which reveal these confidential directions, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Sanatana Gosvami regarding all the regular activities of a devotee.
True Civilization vs. Animalistic Society
Modern society often awards prestige to those devoid of spiritual understanding, but the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam offers a starkly different perspective. Śrīla Prabhupāda uses strong comparisons to illustrate that without following the directions of the scripture, even the most celebrated individuals remain on the platform of animals.
- According to Bhagavata direction, these Nobel Prize winners are exactly like dogs, camels, hogs - sva-vid-varaha-ustra - and asses. And they are praised by similar animals. That's all.
- The Krsna consciousness movement is meant to stop the struggle for existence. The Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita give definite directions on how to stop the struggle for existence and how to survive in eternal life.
Ultimate Responsibility of Parents
The directions of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam extend to family life, specifically the duties of parents. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the true responsibility of a mother and father is to ensure that their child does not have to take birth again in a material body.
Conclusion
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is not merely a book of stories but a practical manual for ending the cycle of birth and death. Whether instructing on the necessity of a guru, the performance of saṅkīrtana, or the duties of parents, its directions are aimed at one goal: uninterrupted, eternal happiness. As Śrīla Prabhupāda states, we must search out this happiness by following the definitive directions given in the scripture, thereby fulfilling the true mission of human life.
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 Directions from 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.