Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana
Synopsis of the Third Session
Bhagavat Mahatmay
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Bhagavata unlike Ramayan and Mahabharat is not one big story, it is a string of stories, conversations, narration and question and answer sessions, happening between different speakers, at times, in different time zones.
Hence, to comprehend this, we need to try and clear the clutter of conditioning in our mind. At the same time we need be willing to think beyond the boundaries of our limited physical and mental capacity and finite logic and reasoning.
Beyond the boundaries exits the truth.
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Let’s bring ourselves to Naimisharanya, ‘a Holy forest where Shree Veda Vyasa taught the Vedas and all the Puranas to his disciples. Later it is in this very holy place that Romaharshana or Lomaharshana , Vedavyasa’s disciple, narrated the Puranas to several Rishis. It is also the blessed place where Ugrasrava (Suta Gosvami),the son of Romaharsana, narrated the story of Shreemad Bhagavatam to several Rishis.’
Veda vyasaji writes, that Shaunka with his 28000 disciples, requests Suta to narrate that which will help everyone during this dark age o Kaliyug, in an effort to make Humans humans again.
‘Manur bhav’- ‘Manushya tu manushya banja’.
To which, Sutaji, chose to narrate the ‘Shrimad Bhagavad Mahapuran’. He explains why to Shaunka? He picks a few of the endless glories and benefits of this Granth.
Point 1
‘The story of Shrimada Bhagavata emanates from the essence of the Vedas, Purans, Upnishads etc.
- The vital juice circulating the tree can not be tasted. The same juice in the form of the fruit captivates the mind of all.
- The butter in the milk, cannot be tasted, but when separated, it delights even the gods.
- Sugar too is there in the sugarcane, but when separated tastes sweeter.’
Point 2
Story : King and Queen and their baby who was stolen by the dacoits. Later, till reminded the child forgot who his real parents were and took the dacoits to be his parents.
Point to ponder: This Granth has the power to take us where we belong. We are the children of God. We have lost our true selves in this world. The spark of knowledge from this Granth, can lead us back to our true divine Self.
- Tat Tvam Ashi
- Aham Brahmasmi
- Ayamatma Brahma
- Prajnanam Brahma
Point 3
Story: Vivekananda and an impatient man and his question of, How to get God?
This man is thought the importance of one single breath, when kept under water for a long duration. One single breath is all he wanted. He could not think of anything else. When time is short, drastic measures have to be used.
Points to ponder: This Granth has the power to awaken this one pointed focus, this deep yearning that is to to reach God. It will awaken the intensity in seeking for God, just like a dying person wants one more day of life and a drowning person wants one breath.
Point 4
Story: A little boy selling water, and the rich man who bargains. This little boy understanding that he is not thirsty, goes away. As a person who is really thirsty drinks first and then asks for the price.
Points to ponder: This Granth has the power to awaken the thirst, to awaken the longing and awaken the desire for God. The thirst for the truth. The thirst for finding the True Self.
Point 5
“Sacidanandroopaya visvotpatyadihetave, tapatreyavinashaya Shri Krishna vayam namah”
We sing the glory of Shri Krishna, who is all truth, all consciousness and all bliss, who is is eternal never ending bliss. He is responsible for the creation, substance and destruction of the universe. He is capable of putting an end to the threefold agony, and we do Naman to him.
- Adhyatmik: The agony caused by ones own body and mind.
- Adibhotik: The agony caused by other creatures to the self.
- Adidevik: The agony caused by natural calamities, or other elements.
Points to ponder: This Granth has the power to wipe out all our agonies, and lead us to eternal bliss. How can it not, Krishna himself dwells in ‘Shirmad Bhagavata Mahapuran’.
Point 6
Story: The Kumaras help Narada Muni, awaken Gyan and Vairagya and rejuvenate Bhakti. Who has suffered because of the onset of Kaliyug. They commence the narration of ‘Shrimad Bhagavad Mahapuran’, at Anada near Haridwara. Not only, do Gyan and Vairagya become young again, but Mukti joins them from Vaikunth Dham and Bhakti dances at the tune of Shri Krishna’s Flute.
Points to ponder: This Granth has the power to get Bhakti to dwell in your heart, along Gyan (Divine Knowledge) and Vairagya (universal Love). For such being, Mukti is not a far fetched dream, for they are never bound. Such a ‘Loving heart’ is very dear to God, and he resides in it.
Does this world not need more Love?
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate;
only love can do that."
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Jai Shri Krisna🙏
Jai Hanuman🙏
