Questions by the Sages
In the sacred forest of Naimisharanya, a vast gathering of learned sages had assembled to perform a grand sacrifice that would last for thousands of years. These were not ordinary men, but highly realized souls who had dedicated their lives to spiritual pursuits, meditation, and the study of the Vedas - the ancient scriptures that contain all knowledge about the nature of reality, the self, and the Supreme Being. Among them were great personalities like Shaunaka Rishi, who was leading the sacrifice, and many others who had renounced worldly pleasures and dedicated themselves entirely to understanding the Absolute Truth. They had come together not merely to perform rituals, but to discuss the deepest questions of existence: Who are we? What is the purpose of life? How can we attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death?
Into this august assembly arrived Suta Goswami, a disciple of the great sage Vyasadeva (the compiler of all Vedic literature) and a student of Sukadeva Goswami (Vyasadeva's enlightened son). Suta Goswami was not just a scholar who had memorized texts; he was someone who had directly heard the Srimad Bhagavatam from Sukadeva Goswami himself when it was originally spoken to Emperor Parikshit. The sages immediately recognized Suta Goswami's spiritual stature and the treasure of knowledge he possessed. With great reverence and humility, they invited him to sit on an elevated seat and requested him to share the supreme knowledge he had received. They understood that hearing from a realized soul who has received knowledge through disciplic succession is far more valuable than reading scriptures independently, because a true teacher can reveal the inner meaning and help awaken spiritual understanding in the hearts of sincere listeners.
The sages posed several profound questions to Suta Goswami. They asked: "In this age of Kali-yuga, when people's lifespan is short, their memory is weak, and their ability to perform spiritual practices is limited, what is the most effective path to self-realization and liberation? What should people hear about? What should they study? What practices should they engage in?" These questions arose not from mere curiosity but from genuine concern for humanity's welfare. The sages understood that the age of Kali-yuga (the current age of quarrel and hypocrisy) had already begun, and that people would face unprecedented difficulties - not just material problems like poverty and disease, but spiritual problems like confusion about truth, loss of faith, and degradation of moral values. They wanted to know the essence of all spiritual knowledge - the one practice that could deliver the greatest benefit with the least effort, suitable for people with limited time and capacity.
Suta Goswami's response was direct and unambiguous: the supreme occupation for all humanity, especially in this age, is to hear and chant about the glories of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He explained that among all forms of spiritual practice - whether meditation, ritual worship, philosophical study, or charity - the practice of bhakti (devotional service) is the most powerful and accessible. Specifically, hearing about Krishna's names, forms, qualities, and pastimes has the unique ability to purify the heart, awaken dormant love for God, and ultimately grant liberation. Unlike other spiritual practices that may require years of training, special qualifications, or particular circumstances, anyone - regardless of age, education, social status, or past karma - can hear about Krishna and benefit immediately. The practice is so simple that even a child can do it, yet so profound that even the greatest philosophers find endless depth in it.
Suta Goswami then began to explain the particular circumstances that led to the speaking of the Srimad Bhagavatam. He described how Emperor Parikshit, the grandson of the Pandavas and a great devotee of Krishna, had been cursed to die within seven days from a snakebite. Rather than spending his final days in anxiety or trying to prevent the inevitable, Parikshit made a momentous decision: he renounced his kingdom, went to the bank of the sacred Ganges River, sat down with the firm determination to fast completely, and announced that he would spend his remaining seven days hearing exclusively about Krishna. This extraordinary decision attracted great sages from throughout the universe, who assembled to witness this unprecedented event. Among them came Sukadeva Goswami, the most elevated spiritual master of that time, who then spoke the entire Srimad Bhagavatam - a complete encyclopedia of spiritual knowledge - in just seven days. Parikshit listened with rapt attention, and through this hearing, achieved the supreme perfection: complete God-realization and liberation from all material bondage.
The chapter establishes several fundamental principles that will be elaborated throughout the Bhagavatam. First, it emphasizes that spiritual knowledge must be received from an authentic source - a guru who has himself received the knowledge through disciplic succession and who has realized its truth through practice. Second, it establishes that bhakti-yoga (the path of devotional service) is the supreme path, especially suited for this age. Third, it demonstrates that the most powerful spiritual practice is hearing (shravanam) about the Supreme Lord. Fourth, it shows that spiritual perfection is not determined by time but by sincerity and absorption - Parikshit achieved complete realization in just seven days because of his total focus and surrender. Finally, it establishes the Srimad Bhagavatam itself as the ripened fruit of all Vedic knowledge, containing everything necessary for spiritual perfection. The chapter thus serves as both an introduction to the text and a complete summary of its essential teachings, inviting all sincere seekers to embark on the transformative journey of Krishna consciousness.