Bhāgavata-dharma - The Science of God
Religion is often misunderstood as a set of dogmas or rituals for material prosperity. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda presents Bhāgavata-dharma as the absolute "Science of God." It is not a sectarian belief but the essential function of the soul. This article examines the nature of Bhāgavata-dharma, contrasting it with mundane religiosity and highlighting its role as the only true education for human society.
Highest Religious Principle
Bhāgavata-dharma is the relationship between the devotee (bhāgavata) and the Lord (Bhagavān). Unlike ordinary religions that promise economic development or social prestige, Bhāgavata-dharma has one goal: pure love of God. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that any system claiming to be religion but failing to awaken this love is merely a pretension or a "cheating religion."
- Bhagavata religion means the Science of God, to understand what is God.
- Whatever is going on throughout the whole world in the name of religion, according to Bhagavata, they're all cheating. They're all cheating. Bhagavata kahe taha paripurna chale. Chale means cheating.
- This is Bhagavata religion. That is first-class religion. What is that? Yatah, by executing the religious principles, if you develop your love for the Supreme, who is beyond expression of your words and beyond the activities of your mind.
True Education for Society
Modern society prides itself on education, but Śrīla Prabhupāda dismisses it as superficial if it ignores the self. He compares a civilization devoid of Bhāgavata knowledge to a society of polished animals—"cows and asses" (go-khara). Real education must solve the problems of birth and death, which is only possible through the study of the Bhāgavata.
- This so-called technical education or smoking education, drinking education and so many rascal education. This is not education. Education means bhagavata education: to understand God. That is wanted.
- The Bhagavatam considers those who are attached to their bodies to be like cows and asses - sa eva go-kharah.
- Anyone who is thinking, "I am this body," he's a rascal. He's an animal. Sa eva go-kharah. This is Bhagavata, practical analysis.
Medicine for the Soul
The material world is a place of suffering, diagnosed as the disease of bhava-roga (the disease of becoming, or birth and death). The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the specific medicine (bhavauṣadhi) for this ailment. Hearing the Bhāgavata acts as a potent therapy that cleanses the heart of material desires and restores the soul to its natural health.
- Why should this Bhagavata be tasted? Bhavausadhi: it is the medicine for our disease of birth and death.
- Here is the remedy for eliminating all inauspicious things within the heart which are considered to be obstacles in the path of self-realization. The remedy is the association of the Bhagavatas.
Living the Bhāgavata Life
Bhāgavata is not just a theory; it is a lifestyle. Bhāgavata-jīvana means a life centered on bhagavad-bhajana (worship). Whether one is a renounced sannyāsī or a family man (gṛhastha), the central principle remains the same: dedicating one's energy to the service of Kṛṣṇa. This lifestyle is characterized by chanting, dancing, and a disregard for public opinion in the pursuit of divine love.
- One who has attained love of Godhead chants and dances by his nature, not caring for the public. This stage of life is known as bhagavata-jivana, or the life of a devotee.
- Asrama means where there is bhagavad-bhajana. It doesn't matter whether one is sannyasi or one is grhastha or a brahmacari. The main principle is bhagavad-bhajana.
Conclusion
Bhāgavata-dharma is the supreme occupation for all humanity. It transcends sectarian boundaries and offers a scientific process to understand the Absolute Truth. By adopting this Bhāgavata culture—educating oneself in the science of God and administering the medicine of kṛṣṇa-kathā—society can be raised from animalistic ignorance to the platform of eternal knowledge and bliss.
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 Bhagavata. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.