Process of Assimilating the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
To study the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is to transform one's life, but as Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, this transformation depends on the process of assimilation. In his view, reading is not enough; one must digest the philosophy until it becomes part of one's realized knowledge. This article explores the definition of true assimilation, which is characterized by the ability to preach and write in one's own words, and outlines the necessary qualifications and duties associated with this spiritual discipline.
Realization through Expression
Assimilation is demonstrated by the capacity to reproduce the philosophy; therefore, Śrīla Prabhupāda insists that students should not merely read mechanically but should strive to write articles and express the teachings in their own language. This effort to output the knowledge forces the student to realize the subject matter, turning information into genuine understanding.
- All students should be encouraged to write some article after reading Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and Teaching of Lord Caitanya. They should realize the information, and they must present their assimilation in their own words. Otherwise, how they can become preachers?
- They should read our Bhagavatam. The purports are there: They should assimilate them in their own words in a literary career.
- Regarding your article in BTG about Ayurvedic Medicine, I do not think this is very worthwhile endeavor. You have shown nice ability for writing so it will be more appreciated if you continue to study Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita and express the same by your assimilation.
Duty to Preach
The ultimate purpose of assimilating the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is to empower one to preach for the benefit of humanity. This is identified as the specific duty of those born in India—to assimilate the Vedic knowledge and distribute it globally. By doing so, one fulfills the mission of Lord Caitanya and brings real welfare to a suffering world.
- That is Caitanyas mission - prthivite ache yata nagaradi grama (CB Antya-khanda 4.126). So you Indians, you are here, you assimilate the teachings of Gita, Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and Caitanya-caritamrta, and help these people. That is India's business.
- Every Indian should study Bhagavad-gita and if possible Srimad-Bhagavatam, and assimilate it, and preach all over the world. This is the duty of India. India has no other duty.
- Read Srimad-Bhagavatam, assimilate it and preach in your own language. Or repeat whatever there is in the purport.
Qualifications and Systematic Study
Assimilation follows a standard procedure. Śrīla Prabhupāda advises one to go step-by-step, mastering the first nine cantos to purify the heart before attempting to understand the Tenth Canto. Furthermore, the very ability to assimilate this literature is not ordinary; it is the result of accumulated pious credits from previous lives.
- One must complete the purificatory process by assimilating the contents of the first nine cantos. Then one should be admitted into the realm of the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- Those who are fit to assimilate the messages of Bhagavatam are mentioned in the very beginning (SB 1.1.2): A bona fide audience fit to hear Srimad-Bhagavatam is generated after many pious deeds.
- Those who are fit to assimilate this work are mentioned in this sloka: One becomes qualified to hear Srimad-Bhagavatam after many pious deeds.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that assimilation is the bridge between the book and the preacher. By deeply studying the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, reflecting on its purports, and expressing the philosophy in one's own words, a devotee becomes a potent instrument in the hands of the Lord. This process ensures that the knowledge does not remain theoretical but becomes a living force capable of making one's life successful and enlightening others.
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 Assimilating 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.