Bhagavatam (Skanda 1, Chapter 4, Slokas 1-13)

By Anil Hattangadi (Recap given by Chitra on 14 Nov 2002)

In these Slokas, discussion between Sage Saunaka and Suka regarding the origin of Bhagavatam is dealt with. This included the narration of the incident where the damsels who were bathing in a pond were at ease when Sage Suka passed by but not when his father Sage Vyasa did so. It was because they realized that Sage Suka’s heart was purity personified and he saw the same ‘Atman’ as manifest in every being.

A similar story of Sage Suka holding his equanimity while visiting King Janaka also narrated and classification of Rishis into Raja Rishi, Deva Rishi, Brahma Rishi and present day Rishis like our Guruji was discussed. A story of a Satsangi who met a Sage in Himalayas through whom he was guided to the path of realizing the divine presence in every one was also described.

An episode from ‘Yoga Vashishta’ where Lord Rama even at the tender age of 15 years becomes dejected with the futile and temporary nature of worldly objects and sensuality and about Sage Suka, when disgusted with the ephemeral world, goes in search of the truth about ‘the one without a second’ and gets the Brahma Jnana from King Janaka was touched upon.

Spiritual knowledge is available to all. Anilji told about a young lady who was brought into spiritual reading about self-realisation. On further enquiry, it was revealed that several experiences in her life made her lose faith in others and turn towards the Lord! It is not just about being religious but also about turning towards spirituality!

Once a person directs the outpouring of love towards his chosen Deity, there will be a significant change. People who are normal, when persuaded by others to enter spiritual life, start facing challenges once they do so. It all boils down to the fact that sooner or later, we have to think out of the body. If it is not natural, at some point of time, we will be forced to do so.

Spiritual life starts when we start thinking out of the body. And once we are in the spiritual path, there should be no stopping half way. We have to continue with what we have picked up. Human attractions and aversions will always be there. The example of an old man in his deathbed who still could not overcome passion was cited. We as Satsangis should strive to overcome these passions for our spiritual progress.