Discourses on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam for Universal Enlightenment
Genuine discourses on the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam are powerful instruments for global purification and individual liberation. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that these discussions, when conducted by bona fide devotees, differ vastly from professional recitations. They are not sectarian activities but are meant to bring enlightenment to all human beings, stopping the material struggle and offering unlimited transcendental pleasure to the sincere listener.
Transcendental Nature of True Discourses
Śrīla Prabhupāda distinguishes between professional speakers, who view the Bhāgavatam as a trade, and pure devotees. He clarifies that discourses held by those with material motives are contaminated, whereas the discussions between liberated souls—like Śrī Sūta Gosvāmī and the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya—are situated on the transcendental platform, free from the desire for material gain.
- Such Bhagavatam discourses (from professional speakers) are not purified from the contamination of the material qualities. But the discourses between the saints of Naimisaranya and Sri Suta Gosvami are on the transcendental level.
- There is no motive for material gain. In such discourses (between Suta Goswami and the sages), unlimited transcendental pleasure is relished both by the audience and by the speaker, and therefore they can continue the topics for many thousands of years.
Qualifications for Hearing
The subject matter of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is not ordinary; it is the science of God. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while these discourses are open to all, they are truly relished by those who are nivṛtta-tṛṣṇa, or free from the hankering for material sense gratification.
A Universal Gift for Humanity
Far from being a sectarian creed, the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is meant for the upliftment of the entire human race. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights the practical application of this principle by establishing discourses in the West, where people from diverse backgrounds are finding genuine spiritual life and auspiciousness through hearing these teachings.
- This Bhagavata discourse is meant for giving enlightenment to the people of the world. It is not a sectarian religion; it is meant for all human beings.
- We are also publishing Srimad-Bhagavatam in sixty volumes. Wherever a speaker holds discourses from these books and an audience hears him, this will create a good and auspicious situation.
- The Americans are taking interest in the matter of Bhakti cult of Sankirtana movement. I am holding classes of Sankirtana and discourses on the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam and I very glad to inform you that they are chanting the holy name of God.
Avoiding False Presentations
Śrīla Prabhupāda warns against hearing from impersonalist or Māyāvādī speakers who may hold discourses for name and fame. Although they may speak on spiritual topics, their inability to chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa reveals their lack of genuine devotion.
Conclusion
Discourses on the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam are the lifeline for a civilization drowning in material consciousness. When delivered by authorized representatives of the disciplic succession, these discussions create an atmosphere of purity and joy that transcends sectarian boundaries. Śrīla Prabhupāda invites everyone to take advantage of these discourses to cleanse the heart and awaken the dormant love for God that lies within every living being.
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 Discourses on 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.