Studying Srimad Bhagavatam

[madhusv 0]

I am new to this place. So pardon me if I am asking something that has been asked before. I would like to read Srimad Bhagavatam. However being busy with my work and family, I get little time to do so. The best time that I find is during nights. Myself and my son have a reading time set aside for us when we both read together (Each their own books). Can I read Srimad Bhagavatam at that time in our bedroom. Also can I read it while I am travelling in a train or flight. I read at different places about an elaborate procedure of setting up the environment before reading the Bhagavatam. I certainly cannot do so. Also do I have to complete entire BHAGAVATAM in 7 days. Can someone kindly answer these questions. I have purchased the books from Gita Press and cannot wait to start reading them.

 

Hari Om

[bhaktajan 0]

There are actually no restrictions, nor formalities, whatsoever! Why?

Because at any time you may die before finishing the entire book. [see verse below]

 

So begin as soon as possible—and maintain this tradition with your son, it will be a life long pastime for you both.

You must now plan to read countless times! Why?

Because there is more nectar than a human can absorb in one reading only.

Best wellwishes,

bhaktajan

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Sri Isopanisad Mantra 17: "Let this temporary body be burnt to ashes, and let the air of life be merged with the totality of air. Now, O my Lord, please remember all my sacrifices, and because You are the ultimate beneficiary, please remember all that I have done for You."

 

 

 

PURPORT

 

 

. . . Actually, the explanation of this mantra and of practically all the mantras of the Vedic hymns is summarized in the Vedänta-sütra and properly explained in Çrémad-Bhägavatam. Çrémad-Bhägavatam is the mature fruit of the Vedic tree of wisdom.

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam this particular mantra is explained in the questions and answers between Mahäräja Parékñit and Çukadeva Gosvämé at the very beginning of their meeting. Hearing and chanting of the science of God is the basic principle of devotional life.

The complete Bhägavatam was heard by Mahäräja Parékñit and chanted by Çukadeva Gosvämé. Mahäräja Parékñit inquired from Çukadeva because Çukadeva was a greater spiritual master than any great yogé or transcendentalist of his time.

Mahäräja Parékñit’s main question was: “What is the duty of every man, specifically at the time of death?”

Çukadeva Gosvämé answered:

 

 

 

tasmäd bhärata sarvätmä

 

 

 

 

bhagavän éçvaro hariù

 

çrotavyaù kértitavyaç ca

smartavyaç cecchatäbhayam

 

 

 

 

 

“Everyone who desires to be free from all anxieties should always hear about, glorify and remember the Personality of Godhead, who is the supreme director of everything, the extinguisher of all difficulties, and the Supersoul of all living entities.” (Bhäg. 2.1.5)

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[CCC 0]

 

There are actually no restrictions, nor formalities, whatsoever! Why?

Because at any time you may die before finishing the entire book.

 

Once a friend of mine invited his elderly parents to his house, He hasn't seen them for a long time. In the house his mother took the Srimad Bhagavatam read some verses and left the body . His grandson watched what happened and very calm explained to his father: Grandma was reading the book about god and died.

[sopatel 0]

 

Once a friend of mine invited his elderly parents to his house, He hasn't seen them for a long time. In the house his mother took the Srimad Bhagavatam read some verses and left the body . His grandson watched what happened and very calm explained to his father: Grandma was reading the book about god and died.

 

even at the end of time if God wants to shower his grace on you, he will find any way to do so. What a lucky lady to have left this body with the Lord's name on her lips...it is one of the most difficult tasks of life if you haven't started from a young age.

 

jai shri krishna

[thehat 0]

 

I am new to this place. So pardon me if I am asking something that has been asked before. I would like to read Srimad Bhagavatam. However being busy with my work and family, I get little time to do so. The best time that I find is during nights. Myself and my son have a reading time set aside for us when we both read together (Each their own books). Can I read Srimad Bhagavatam at that time in our bedroom. Also can I read it while I am travelling in a train or flight. I read at different places about an elaborate procedure of setting up the environment before reading the Bhagavatam. I certainly cannot do so. Also do I have to complete entire BHAGAVATAM in 7 days. Can someone kindly answer these questions. I have purchased the books from Gita Press and cannot wait to start reading them.

 

Hari Om

 

Yes, you can read whenever you want!

Finishing the entire bhagavatam set in 7 days is an incredible goal. Please let us know if you manage to succeed in it!

[Dark Warrior 0]

You do not need to read Bhagavatam in 7 days. It is true that those who do so will get moksha, as the Lord said. But the whole meaning of 'Sarva Dharman Parityajya' means that YOU do not need to make any effort if you surrender to Him. Bhakti Yoga is the effort of the Jiva. But Saranagati is superior than Bhakti Yoga in the sense that the Jiva accepts the Lord's Guidance and does not attempt anything on his own.

 

I believe even Srila Prabhupada voiced this philosophy in his Gita commentary when he said, ' A pure devotee does not need to worry about the time of his passing. Whether He passes away in light or darkness, rest assured that the Lord will personally escort him to the Supreme Abode. There need be no effort on the part of the devotee to remember the Lord at the time of his death'.