Transforming Society by Discussing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
The discussion of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam possesses the power to transform the social and spiritual fabric of society. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites historical evidence and practical instructions to show how this simple practice can convert impersonalists into devotees, turn homes into temples, and create an atmosphere of auspiciousness for the entire world.
transforming the Atmosphere: The Varanasi Example
Vārāṇasī was historically known as a seat of Māyāvādī philosophy, but the influence of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu changed its character entirely. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that through the discussion of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the city became as spiritually vibrant as Navadvīpa, demonstrating the text's potency to change the hearts of even the most rigid scholars.
- After Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited Varanasi and turned Prakasananda Sarasvati and his disciples into Vaisnavas, Varanasi became like Navadvipa because so many devotees began discussing Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- After this, all the Mayavadi sannyasis and learned scholars at Varanasi began discussing Srimad-Bhagavatam. In this way Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu delivered them.
Spiritual Life for Householders
One does not need to live in a temple to perfect their life; the temple atmosphere can be recreated in one's own home. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs householders to install Deities and discuss the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam daily, assuring them that this simple routine is sufficient for spiritual success.
- Anyone can do this (installing the Deity, worshiping the Lord morning and evening, chanting Hare Krsna and discussing the BG & SB) at home without difficulty, and Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested all the devotees present there (in Advaita's house) to do so.
- One who feels that he is not yet ready to live in a temple or undergo strict regulative principles in the temple - especially householders who live with a wife and children - can start a center at home by chanting Hare Krsna and discussing the BG and SB.
Enlivening the Community
For the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement to flourish, the members must remain spiritually enlivened. Śrīla Prabhupāda prescribes the daily reading and discussion of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as the standard for all centers, ensuring that the devotees remain connected to the philosophy and to each other.
- Introduce this system in all of the centers in your zone, and you will discover that everyone becomes very much enlivened by these daily classes. Read one sloka (of Srimad-Bhagavatam) and discuss and then go on to the next sloka on the next day, and so on.
- Chanting 16 rounds without fail, performing Kirtana at least twice daily, morning and evening, discussion on Bhagavad-gita, and Srimad-Bhagavatam in the class, and work diligently and cooperatively amongst yourselves is my fervent request.
Conclusion
The discussion of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is a universal remedy for the ills of the material world. Whether it is transforming a city of scholars, spiritualizing a family home, or enlivening a community of devotees, this practice brings the transcendental presence of the Lord into society. By maintaining these discussions, we create a situation of permanent auspiciousness for ourselves and the world.
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 Discussing 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.