rule  


 
Canto 1

Prabhupāda Pranāti

 


Chapter 2: Divinity and Divine Service

(1) Delighted with the correct questions of the sages there, the son of Romaharshana [Sūta] began with his reply after thanking them for their words. (2) Sūta said: "He [S'ukadeva] who went away to live with the renounced order without the prescribed ceremony of reform of the sacred thread, made Vyāsadeva, being afraid of the separation exclaim: 'Oh my son!', and all the trees and all living beings responded sympathizing in the heart of the sage. (3) Let me offer my obeisances to him [the son of Vyāsa] who, as the only transcendental torchlight in desiring to overcome the darkness of material existence of materialistic men, assimilated the cream of the Vedas and out of his causeless mercy, as the master of the sages, conveyed this very confidential supplement to the Vedas, this Purāna. (4) After first offering one's obeisances to Nara-Nārāyana, the [Lord as the] super most human being, the goddess of learning [Sarasvatī] and Vyāsadeva, let then everything [contained in this book] be announced that is needed for conquering [māyā, the power of illusion].

(5) Oh sages, your questions for me about Krishna are of relevance for the welfare of the world because they satisfy the true self. (6) That duty no doubt is for mankind the highest, of which there is the causeless, uninterrupted devotional service unto Krishna as the One in the Beyond [Vishnu] that leads to the full satisfaction of the soul. (7) The practice of connecting oneself in devotion unto Vāsudeva, the Personality of Godhead, very soon leads to the detachment and spiritual knowledge that relies on its own power. (8) What people do according to their societal positions, is useless labor leading nowhere, if it does not lead to the message of Vishvaksena [Krishna as the highest authority]. (9) One's occupational activities are certainly meant for ultimate liberation and not for the end of material gain, neither is, according to the sages, the material progress of the dutiful ones in devotional service meant for the attainment of sense-gratification. (10) One should not long so much for sense-gratification, profit and livelihood, one's activities are there for no other purpose than inquiring after the Absolute Truth. (11) The learned souls say that the reality of nondual knowledge is known as Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavān [the impersonal, localized and personal aspect]. (12) Sages [and devotees] well equipped with knowledge and detachment who are full of belief, will perceive within their heart and soul [that reality] according to their understanding of what they heard [or read about] in  their devotion. (13) This is how the human being, oh best of the twice-born souls, by pleasing the Lord achieves the highest perfection with his own dutifulness according to the divisions of status and vocation [varnās'rama]. (14) One should therefore with a one-pointed mind constantly hear about, glorify, remember and worship the Supreme Lord, the protector of the devotees. (15) Who would not attend to this message of intelligently remembering the Lord that offers one the sword for cutting through the bonds of materially motivated labor [karma]? (16) One who attentively listens in rendering service to pure devotees, dear scholars, will be purified from all vice and develop taste for the message of Vāsudeva. (17) Those who developed this hearing of Krishna's words will find virtue listening and singing and will certainly in their hearts see their desire to enjoy purified by the benefactor of the truthful souls. (18) By regularly being of service to the bhāgavata [the pure devotee] and the Bhāgavatam, as good as all that is inauspicious will be destroyed and thus serving the Supreme Lord with transcendental prayers, irrevocably loving service will come about. (19) Not being affected by the effects of passion and ignorance such as lust, greed and all of that, one's consciousness will be fixed in goodness and at that moment find happiness. (20) In touch with the devotional service of the Lord thus being cleared, the mind, liberated because of the association, then becomes effective in the knowledge of wisdom regarding the Fortunate One. (21) Seeing the [true] self that way as being the master, the knot in the heart is cut to pieces, all doubts end and the chain of materially motivated actions [karma] is terminated. (22) Therefore all transcendentalists have always delighted in the service of Krishna - it enlivens the soul. (23) The ultimate benefit of the Transcendental Personality, who is associated with the qualities of material nature of goodness, passion and ignorance and with the maintainer Vishnu, the creator Brahmā and the destroyer S'iva, the human being of course finds in the form of goodness [Vishnu]. (24) The way we have the firewood of sacrifices stemming from the earth producing smoke once being set afire, so we also have passion stemming from ignorance leading to the goodness from which the essential nature is realized.

(25) W
hoever follows the sages who in the past thus rendered service to the transcendental Lord above the three modes of nature, deserves the same benefit. (26) It is the reason why those who desire liberation reject the less attractive forms of the demigods and without any envy worship the many forms of the all-blissful S'rī Vishnu [Nārāyana]. (27) Those who are ignorant and of passion, desire glory, power and progeny and are of worship for forefathers and other beings of cosmic control in the same category of their preference. (28-29) But Vāsudeva is the object of Vedic knowledge, the purpose of the sacrifices and the path of yoga, Vāsudeva is the controller of all material activity, the highest knowledge, the strictest austerity, the best quality, the supreme dharma and the ultimate goal of life. (30) From the beginning of the manifestation He, by His internal potency, has been the cause and effect of all forms and the transcendental Absolute of the modes of nature. (31) Although He, manifesting by the modes, having entered them, appears to be affected by the modes, He is the full manifestation of all wisdom. (32) He, as the Supersoul, pervades all living beings as the source of creation like fire does in wood and shines forth as different living entities, at the same time being the Absolute Person. (33) That Supersoul created the subtle senses influenced by the modes of nature by entering the living beings in His own creation, causing them to enjoy those modes. (34) Thus He maintains all of them in the mode of goodness, being incarnated Himself in the performance of His pastimes as the master of all the worlds of the divine, human and animalistic beings."


Read the inspiration to this chapter by Anand Aadhar.

 

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Third revised edition, loaded January 8, 2016.

 

 

 

Previous Aadhar edition and Vedabase links:

Text 1

Delighted with the correct questions of the sages there, the son of Romaharshana [Sūta] began with his reply after thanking them for their words.
Completely satisfied with the correct questions of the sages there, the son of Romaharshana [Sūta] tried to reply after thanking them for their words. (Vedabase)

 

Text 2

Sūta said: "He [S'ukadeva] who went away to live with the renounced order without the prescribed ceremony of reform of the sacred thread, made Vyāsadeva, being afraid of the separation exclaim: 'Oh my son!', and all the trees and all living beings responded sympathizing in the heart of the sage.

Sūta said: "He [S'ukadeva] who went away to live with the renounced order without the prescribed ceremony of reform of the sacred thread, made Vyāsadeva, being afraid of the separation exclaim: 'O my son!', and all the trees and all living beings responded sympathizing in the heart of the sage. (Vedabase)

 

Text 3

Let me offer my obeisances to him [the son of Vyāsa] who, as the only transcendental torchlight in desiring to overcome the darkness of material existence of materialistic men, assimilated the cream of the Vedas and out of his causeless mercy, as the master of the sages, conveyed this very confidential supplement to the Vedas, this Purāna.

Let me offer my obeisances to him, who from his experience of life, as the only transcendental torchlight in desiring to overcome the darkness of material existence of materialistic men, assimilated the cream of the Vedas and out of his causeless mercy conveyed the very confidential holy story as the master of the great sages. (Vedabase)

 

Text 4

After first offering one's obeisances to Nara-Nārāyana, the [Lord as the] super most human being, the goddess of learning [Sarasvatī] and Vyāsadeva, let then everything [contained in this book] be announced that is needed for conquering [māyā, the power of illusion].

After offering first one's obeisances to Nara-Nārāyana, the [Lord as the] supermost human being, the goddess of learning and Vyāsadeva, let then all be announced that is needed for the conquering. (Vedabase)

 

Text 5

Oh sages, your questions for me about Krishna are of relevance for the welfare of the world because they satisfy the true self.

O sages, your questions about Lord Krishna are of relevance for the welfare of the world because they satisfy the true self. (Vedabase)

 

Text 6

That duty no doubt is for mankind the highest, of which there is the causeless, uninterrupted devotional service unto Krishna as the One in the Beyond [Vishnu] that leads to the full satisfaction of the soul.

That duty no doubt is for mankind the highest, of which there is the causeless, uninterrupted devotional service unto Krishna as the One in the Beyond [Vishnu] that leads to the full satisfaction of the soul. (Vedabase)

 

Text 7

The practice of connecting oneself in devotion unto Vāsudeva, the Personality of Godhead, very soon leads to the detachment and spiritual knowledge that relies on its own power.

The practice of connecting oneself in devotion unto Vāsudeva, the Personality of Godhead, very soon leads to the detachment and spiritual knowledge that relies on its own power. (Vedabase)

 

Text 8

What people do according to their societal positions, is useless labor leading nowhere, if it does not lead to the message of Vishvaksena [Krishna as the highest authority].

What mankind does in its duties according to each his own position, is useless labor leading nowhere, if it does not lead to the message of Vishvaksena [Krishna as the Supreme Commander]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 9

One's occupational activities are certainly meant for ultimate liberation and not for the end of material gain, neither is, according to the sages, the material progress of the dutiful ones in devotional service meant for the attainment of sense-gratification.

One's occupational activities are certainly meant for ultimate liberation and not for the end of material gain, neither is, according to the sages, the material progress of the dutiful ones in devotional service meant for the attainment of sense-gratification.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 10

One should not long so much for sense-gratification, profit and livelihood, one's activities are there for no other purpose than inquiring after the Absolute Truth.

One's longing is not so much there for sense-gratification, profit and self-preservation, one's work is instead there for no other purpose than inquiring after the Absolute Truth.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 11

The learned souls say that the reality of nondual knowledge is known as Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavān [the impersonal, localized and personal aspect].

The learned souls say that the reality of nondual knowledge is known as Brahman, Paramātmā, and Bhagavān [the impersonal, localized and personal aspect]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 12

Sages [and devotees] well equipped with knowledge and detachment who are full of belief, will perceive within their heart and soul [that reality] according to their understanding of what they heard [or read about] in  their devotion.

The sages who with the good of knowledge and detachment are of serious inquisition, will see within themselves and the Supersoul in devotional service, exactly that, what they have heard from in the Vedas. (Vedabase)

 

Text 13

This is how the human being, oh best of the twice-born souls, by pleasing the Lord achieves the highest perfection with his own dutifulness according to the divisions of status and vocation [varnās'rama].

So by the human being, o best of the twice born, the highest perfection of occupational duties according to the divisions of status and vocation is achieved in the pleasing of the Lord. (Vedabase)

 

Text 14

One should therefore with a one-pointed mind constantly hear about, glorify, remember and worship the Supreme Lord, the protector of the devotees.

Therefore should one with a one-pointed mind constantly hear about, glorify, remember and worship the Supreme Lord, the protector of the devotees. (Vedabase)

 

Text 15

Who would not attend to this message of intelligently remembering the Lord that offers one the sword for cutting through the bonds of materially motivated labor [karma]?

Who would not attend to this message of intelligently remembering the Lord which gives one the sword for cutting through the bonds of materially motivated labor [karma]?  (Vedabase)

 

Text 16

One who attentively listens in rendering service to pure devotees, dear scholars, will be purified from all vice and develop taste for the message of Vāsudeva.

One who listens with care and attention in respect of Vāsudeva, will find affinity with the message through the devotional service rendered to pure devotees, o learned ones, and be purified from all vice. (Vedabase)

 

Text 17

Those who developed this hearing of Krishna's words will find virtue listening and singing and will certainly in their hearts see their desire to enjoy purified by the benefactor of the truthful souls.

Those who developed this hearing of Krishna His own words will find virtue listening and singing and will certainly in their hearts see their desire to enjoy purified by the benefactor of the truthful. (Vedabase)

 

Text 18

By regularly being of service to the bhāgavata [the pure devotee] and the Bhāgavatam, as good as all that is inauspicious will be destroyed and thus serving the Supreme Lord with transcendental prayers, irrevocably loving service will come about.

By regular attention to that fortune [of the book and the devotee] will as good as all the inauspicious lose its hold, and will thus serving the Supreme Lord with transcendental prayers irrevocably loving service come into being. (Vedabase)

 

Text 19

Not being affected by the effects of passion and ignorance such as lust, greed and all of that, one's consciousness will be fixed in goodness and at that moment find happiness.

At that time will the consciousness not being spoiled by the effects of passion and ignorance such as lust, greed and whatever else, be fixed in goodness and find happiness. (Vedabase)

 

Text 20

In touch with the devotional service of the Lord thus being cleared, the mind, liberated because of the association, then becomes effective in the knowledge of wisdom regarding the Fortunate One.

The mind, in contact with the devotional service of the Lord thus cleared, becomes, of the association liberated, then effective in the knowledge of wisdom regarding the Fortunate One. (Vedabase)

 

Text 21

Seeing the [true] self that way as being the master, the knot in the heart is cut to pieces, all doubts end and the chain of materially motivated actions [karma] is terminated.

Seeing the [true] self that way as being the master for sure will cut the knots in the heart to pieces, put an end to all doubts and terminate the chain of materially motivated actions [karma]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 22

Therefore all transcendentalists have always delighted in the service of Krishna - it enlivens the soul.

Therefore all transcendentalists have for certain always delighted in the service to Lord Krishna - it enlivens the soul. (Vedabase)

 

Text 23

The ultimate benefit of the Transcendental Personality, who is associated with the qualities of material nature of goodness, passion and ignorance and with the maintainer Vishnu, the creator Brahmā and the destroyer S'iva, the human being of course finds in the form of goodness [Vishnu].

The ultimate benefit of the Transcendental Personality, that is associated with as well the material qualities of nature of goodness, passion and ignorance as with the maintainer Vishnu, the creator Brahmā and the destroyer S'iva, is of course for the human being found in the form of the quality of goodness [Vishnu]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 24

The way we have the firewood of sacrifices stemming from the earth producing smoke once being set afire, so we also have passion stemming from ignorance leading to the goodness from which the essential nature is realized. 

As we have the firewood from sacrifices stemming from the earth producing smoke, so we also have passion stemming from ignorance leading to the goodness from which the essential nature is realized. (Vedabase)

 

Text 25

Whoever follows the sages who in the past thus rendered service to the transcendental Lord above the three modes of nature, deserves the same benefit.

Whoever follows these sages who before thus rendered service to the transcendental Lord above these three modes of nature, deserves the same benefit. (Vedabase)


Text 26

It is the reason why those who desire liberation reject the less attractive forms of the demigods and without any envy worship the many forms of the all-blissful S'rī Vishnu [Nārāyana].

For that reason do they who desire liberation reject the less attractive forms of the demigods, and are they sure to worship, without any envy, the many forms of the all-blissfull Lord Vishnu [Nārāyana]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 27

Those who are ignorant and of passion, desire glory, power and progeny and are of worship for forefathers and other beings of cosmic control in the same category of their preference.

Those who are ignorant and of passion, desire wealth, power and progeny, clinging to forefathers and other beings of cosmic control with a likewise character. (Vedabase)

 

Text 28-29

But Vāsudeva is the object of Vedic knowledge, the purpose of the sacrifices and the path of yoga, Vāsudeva is the controller of all material activity, the highest knowledge, the strictest austerity, the best quality, the supreme dharma and the ultimate goal of life.

But Vāsudeva is the object of knowledge, the purpose of the sacrifices and the yoga, the controller of all material activity, and the supreme knowledge, austerity, quality, religion and goal of life. (Vedabase)


Text 30

From the beginning of the manifestation He, by His internal potency, has been the cause and effect of all forms and the transcendental Absolute of the modes of nature.

From the beginning of the manifestation He, by this internal potency, has been the cause and effect of all forms and the transcendental Absolute of the modes of nature. (Vedabase)

 

Text 31

Although He, manifesting by the modes, having entered them, appears to be affected by the modes, He is the full manifestation of all wisdom.

Although He, manifesting by the modes, having entered into them, appears to be affected by the modes, is He the full manifestation of all wisdom. (Vedabase)

 

Text 32

He, as the Supersoul, pervades all living beings as the source of creation like fire does in wood and shines forth as different living entities, at the same time being the Absolute Person.

He, as the Supersoul, pervades all living beings as the source of the creation like fire does in wood and shines forth as different living entities, at the same time being the Absolute Person.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 33

That Supersoul created the subtle senses influenced by the modes of nature by entering the living beings in His own creation, causing them to enjoy those modes.

That Supersoul, created the subtle senses influenced by the modes of nature by entering the living beings in His own creation, causing them to enjoy those modes. (Vedabase)

 

Text 34

Thus He maintains all of them in the mode of goodness, being incarnated Himself in the performance of His pastimes as the master of all the worlds of the divine, human and animalistic beings."

Thus He maintains all in the mode of goodness, being incarnated Himself in the performance of His pastimes mastering all worlds of divine, human and animalistic beings." (Vedabase)

 

 

 

 


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The image is a detail of a painting called: 'Brahmā, Vishnu, S'iva and Indra Pray to Adi Devi',
from the Tantric Devi Series by
Kailash Raj.
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