Bhagavatam 0016: Maharishi Shounaka begs Maharishi Suta to explain Bhagavatam
“When Krishna gave up his human body and returned to his abode in Vaikunta, together with his dharma and jnana, people became dull headed.
“When Krishna gave up his human body and returned to his abode in Vaikunta, together with his dharma and jnana, people became dull headed.
Maharishi Śounaka continued, “Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu, is considered to be the most supreme amongst devotees.
One day, great sage Vyasa was deeply perturbed and selecting an isolated place on the banks of the ever pure River Saraswati, began reflecting within himself in the following manner:
Nārada continued, “O Vyasa, as it is human beings are inclined towards materialistic comforts.
Nārada Maharishi continued, “Because of the initiation into the most confidential text Bhāgawatam, I could understand clearly about the influence of the Lord’s power of illusion (māya shakti).
Nārada Maharishi continued, “I travelled northwards and after crossing many prosperous places, forests, ponds, gardens and mountains I finally reached a huge dense forest.
Nārada Maharishi continued, “My mind was completely filled with happiness. Without feelings of envy or pride, I constantly recollected the glories of the Lord and began roaming all over earth, eagerly waiting the time He had specified.
Śounaka and other saints asked, “O Maharishi Suta! What was the necessity for Maharishi Śuka, who had attained total dispassion and who was an exponent in Self-knowledge to study Bhāgawatam when he was already all-knowing and had reached the pinnacle?
Arjuna continued his prayer, “This incarnation of Yours O Lord is also to help those devotees, who exclusively meditate upon You with total concentration.