Serial No. |
SHRI GRANTH |
CHAPTER /
VERSE NO. |
TRANSLATION IN ENGLISH |
73 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 7
VS 25 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - When Ashwatthama fired Brahmastra (a divine weapon capable of destroying everything given by GOD Shree Brahmaji) on Shri Arjunji, seeing his life in danger, Shri Arjunji prayed to GOD to save him from calamity.
Pay special attention to the above words of prayer. Two main reasons for the incarnation of GOD are mentioned here. The first reason is to take away the load of Earth, to end the evils and to restore the religion.
The second reason is to give bliss to His lovers and devotees by His incarnation and Holy pastimes and provide them with a reason for His remembrance and contemplation. We remember the Holy pastimes of GOD, in the form of tableau, in the form of narration, in the form of hymns. We contemplate the incarnations of GOD as Shree Ramji, Shree Krishnaji. To strengthen the flow of devotion both of these are very useful.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- The incarnation of GOD is for two reasons. Firstly, for restoration of good over evil. Secondly, for the sake of His lovers and devotees for giving them bliss.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
74 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 8
VS 9 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - When Ashwatthama fired Brahmastra (a divine weapon capable of destroying everything given by GOD Shree Brahmaji) on Bhagwati Uttara, mother of Shri Parikshitji, she rushed to GOD and prayed to GOD to protect herself and her womb.
Pay special attention to these words of prayer that no one in this world except You can make me fear-free. First of all, we should have the firm belief that no one except GOD can bless us, no one can make us fearless. In case any worldly person helps us then too he is only a medium, it is GOD who is doing our good. When we call upon the world for help we will only get disappointment as Bhagwati Draupadiji called her grandfather, husband, master in the context of cheerharan and Shri Gajendraji called for his family after being caught by a crocodile. In both the parables, when the caller gave up and finally called GOD, then only got absolution. In both the parables, GOD provided fearlessness from fear.
Secondly, the world always gives us fear while GOD always provides relief from fear, this is the principle.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- GOD alone can redeem us from our fear, distress and miseries.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
75 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 8
VS 23-25 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - This gratitude expression and prayer of Bhagwati Kuntiji is very dear to me. We often fail to expresss gratitude to GOD in our life. Our life is indebted to GOD. Wriggling in the womb of the mother we pray to GOD for freedom and GOD gives us freedom by giving us birth. This is the first debt and after this continuous debt of GOD’s grace mounts on us. But we never express gratitude to GOD by remembering those debts like Bhagwati Kuntiji.
Few words of Bhagwati Kuntiji's speech are very touching. First, "You have repeatedly saved me along with my sons in adversities". Bhagwati Kuntiji has the remembrance of repeated adversities and also remembers the contexts of protection by GOD. We have forgotten several contexts when GOD protected us. Secondly, "Only You are our master". Bhagwati Kuntiji considered GOD as her master throughout her life. Thirdly, "to what extend shall I enumerate GOD’s favors". Bhagwati Kuntiji exhausts herself by remembering the favors of GOD and says how much can she enumerate. How blessed are those who do not get exhausted of counting the favors of GOD and yet their counting never ends. Fourthly, "May the calamity come in every step of our life because in problems definitely, Your visualization is possible". The most influencing and immortal words of Bhagwati Kuntiji is when she asks for adversity because in adversity we receive GOD’s contiguity and we go in the shelter of GOD. Due to it, we are able to visualize GOD in our hearts and become free from the cycle of birth and death.
We should continuously make a habit to count the favors of GOD throughout our life, we should continuously express gratitude to GOD and should continuously try to live in the contiguity of GOD.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- We should always remember and continue counting GOD’s favor in great numbers all through our life and continuously express gratitude to GOD for the favors done by Him.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
76 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 8
VS 26 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - Four things are stated in the above verse which increases our pride and leads us away from GOD. The pride of the superior family, the pride of opulence, the pride of knowledge and the pride of wealth lead to our downfall as it takes us away from GOD.
How true these things are in today’s perspective because all the above four types of people can only pretend to worship GOD but they cannot truly do it.
Only those who are destitute can undertake true prayer and worship of GOD and by doing so they attain the devotion of GOD and present themselves with the rare opportunity of visualization of GOD.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- Those who do not indulge in false pride are only successful in seeking GOD through devotion.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
77 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 8
VS 27 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - The above verse makes us aware of three things.
First, GOD is the ultimate wealth of the poor. Poor do not have any wealth but they can become the richest by following the the devotional path and by attaining ultimate wealth in the form of GOD.
Second, the delusion of Maya cannot even touch GOD. We can never attain Mayapati (GOD, the creator of illusion) by staying in Maya. Only after coming out of delusion of Maya, we will be able to reach GOD.
Third, GOD is the only owner of salvation. The capability of providing salvation is only with GOD. No one else, other than GOD, can give salvation.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- GOD is the ultimate wealth of the poor who take up the devotional path.
- We must discard worldly illusions to reach GOD.
- GOD is the only provider of salvation.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
78 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 8
VS 28 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - Out of innumerable virtues of GOD, five virtues are described here.
GOD is eternal means He is present in every era and every period. GOD is infinite means without any end, constant. GOD is omnipresent means who exists in everyone and who is situated in everyone. GOD is the controller of all means who controls everyone, who created everyone. GOD is Kaalroop i.e. GOD is also in the form of Kaal.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- GOD is eternal, infinite and controller of all.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
79 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 8
VS 35-36 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - It is believed that GOD incarnates to free the earth from sins, to re-establish the religion. This interpretation is correct also. But GOD can do this only by a mere resolution while sitting in His own dwelling. Only by the resolution of GOD, the earth can become sin-free and unrighteousness will be destroyed. Then what is the need for the incarnation of GOD ?
Here we get a true reason for incarnation. GOD incarnate for the ignorant, clutched by desires and bound by worldly deeds, so that they can enjoy the delightful Holy pastimes of GOD means hearing, remembrance, singing and chanting. GOD incarnates and performs delightful Holy pastimes whose listening, remembrance, singing and chanting by His loving devotees over ages and ages would provide them salvation.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- GOD incarnates so that His Holy pastimes are delightfully listened to, remembered, sung and chanted by His devotees for attaining salvation.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
80 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 8
VS 42 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - Bhagwati Kuntiji requests GOD that as the stream of ShriGanga is absorbed into SamudraDevji (sea), similarly, our intellect should also be absorbed in GOD. Our intellect must not wander elsewhere. Our intellect should rest in GOD and we must continue to love GOD.
Our intellect wanders everywhere and is entangled in all sorts of things. Virtuous intellect is the one that remains devoted in the Divine Lotus Feet of GOD throughout life.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- Our intellect should pursue GOD and not wander in worldly pursuits.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
81 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 9
VS 10 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - At the time of life’s renunciation of Shri Bhishma Pitamah all Brahmarshi, Devarshi and Rajarshi came to take knowledge from him and to see him away. But Shri Bhishma Pitamah was waiting for GOD.
When GOD came, he worshipped GOD both in the form of performing Holy pastimes as ShriKrishna from outside and in form of Jagdishwar residing in his heart inside.
The point to be noted here is that we often forget GOD residing inside us and pray to GOD who is available outside. Here it is indicated that we should never forget GOD residing in our heart.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- GOD also resides within us and we must remember to pray to Him residing inside us just like we pray to Him in outside form.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
82 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 9
VS 14 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - Shri Bhishma Pitamah, who knew the essence of religion, said the above words to Pandavas from his deathbed of arrows.
What a beautiful illustration that as the clouds are under the control of wind, similarly, the whole world is under the control of GOD.
Clouds do not have their own direction. They go in the direction where the pace of wind takes them. The existence of the cloud is subject to the wind. Similarly, the existence of the world is under the control of GOD. The world runs on the guidelines set by GOD.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- The world is totally dependent on GOD and it runs on the guidelines set by GOD.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
83 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 9
VS 17 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - Shri Bhishma Pitamah said these words as preaching to Pandavas.
All events that take place in the world are in accordance with the desire of GOD. They all are subject to the desire of GOD.
There is a saying that "everything happens as per the desire of GOD" and this verse gives authenticity to this saying. The leaf is shaken by the puff of air but the air blows in according to the desire of GOD. The power in the form of air to move the leaf is also of GOD. We should understand this fact.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- All events and all happenings in the world occur in accordance with the desire of GOD.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
84 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 9
VS 23 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - What we should do in the final stage of life is stated by Shri Bhishma Pitamah in the above verse. If a creature leaves his body putting his mind in GOD with devotional emotions and chanting the name of GOD, then he is free forever from the desires and the bondage of deeds.
But it cannot happen all of a sudden in the end. For this to happen, prior preparation and practice should be done. This preparation and practice of putting our mind in GOD and making our tongue pronounce His Holy name should be done during lifetime then only it will also be possible at the end time.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- Putting our mind in GOD and pronouncing His Holy name should be religiously practiced during lifetime so that in the final stage of our life we are able to do the same.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
85 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 9
VS 31 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - At the time of the Uttarayan (solstice), Shri Bhishma Pitamah removed his mind from all sides and fixed it on GOD who was in front of him. He fixed his eyes on the Divine Lotus Feet of GOD and started praising GOD.
By doing so he was immediately relieved from the pain in his body due to injury of weapons. The most important thing that happened was that the evils that were still left in him were automatically destroyed.
In the final stage of life, the remembrance of GOD destroys all our pain and the leftover sinister.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- In the final stage, if we are able to remember GOD, it instantly destroys our mental and bodily pain and frees us from any leftover sinister that we might have.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
86 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 9
VS 37 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - Shri Bhishma Pitamah has revealed in the above verse that upto what extent GOD goes to keep the honor of His devotees.
Shri Bhishma Pitamah had vowed that he will coerce GOD to lift the weapon in war. Even before it, GOD had also vowed that He will never lift a weapon in war. Both the vows were contradictory and because of that it was certain that one of them would definitely break. GOD kept the honor of His devotee by fulfilling His devotee's vow and broke His own vow. That is why these words of hymn came true "apna maan bhale tal jaaye, bakht ka maan na talte dekha" which means that GOD may compromise His own honor but He upkeeps the honor of His devotee at all times.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- GOD loves His devotees to such extent that He never compromises their dignity and honor and upkeeps it at all times.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
87 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 10
VS 3 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - The verse stating how King Shri Yudhishthirji ruled his empire sitting on the throne after the war of Mahabharat.
Two things are worth noting here. First, his empire was stretched throughout the earth including the sea, which he ruled like Shri Indradevji. Secondly, most importantly, while ruling his empire he always remained under the shelter of GOD.
After getting small territory or wealth our ego climbs our head and we forget GOD. But even after getting the empire of the whole earth, Shri Yudhishthirji did not forget GOD and always remained under His shelter. This was the secret of his success as a king. Staying in the shelter of GOD is the key to success because by doing so, our intellect remains stable and virtuous.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- At all times, good or bad, we must live under the shelter of GOD.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
88 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 10
VS 11 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - It is stated in the verse that the one who listens to the sweet, delightful and auspicious narrations of GOD, will never even think of leaving them. Staying away from GOD is utterly impossible, even he cannot imagine such a thing.
There are two main reasons behind this. First, the ecstasy that he achieves from doing so, is not found elsewhere. Second, by hearing again and again about GOD he binds himself in the loving devotion of GOD.
That is why we should always try to listen to the sweet, delightful and auspicious narrations of GOD in our life.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- We should make a habit to listen to the sweet, delightful and auspicious narrations of GOD in our life so that we can bind ourselves in the loving devotion of GOD.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
89 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 10
VS 23 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - How our conscience can be completely purified, its solution is stated here.
Complete purification of conscience is not possible by Yog and other measures. It is only possible by the devotion of GOD because devotion keeps on purifying our conscience and removes our vices.
A true devotee can never behave immorally or without dignity because by doing so he will lose his eligibility to be called "of GOD".
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- Complete purification of conscience is only possible with the devotion of GOD.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
90 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 11
VS 6 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - The verse stating the glory of the Divine Lotus Feet of GOD.
Those creatures who seek their ultimate welfare after coming into the world, for them the best shelter is the Divine Lotus Feet of GOD. There is no bigger shelter or no bigger support other than this in the world.
The second thing that has been mentioned here is that it eliminates the fear of evil. Kaal (time) is considered to be the most powerful but by taking the shelter of the Divine Lotus Feet of GOD, even such a powerful kaal (time) cannot harm us even marginally. The stupendous glory of getting into the shelter of the Divine Lotus Feet of GOD is that even fear cannot frighten him, even kaal (time) cannot harm him.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- If we take shelter in the Divine Lotus Feet of GOD, it saves us from all evil, fear and harm.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
91 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 11
VS 7 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - If we make these five relationships with GOD in our life, our ultimate welfare gets assured.
We make relationships with the worldly people which is called worldliness. But we often forget or miss out on making a relationship with GOD.
In this verse, the five best relationships that a creature can make with GOD are stated. GOD is our mother, our owner and our father. GOD is our Satguru (supreme teacher) and our idol of worship.
Every creature should try to develop these five basic relationships with GOD, then only his well-being is assured. Apart from these, he is also free to make other relationships with GOD.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- Just like we make worldly relationships with the world, we must not forget to develop a very special relationship with GOD.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
92 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 11
VS 26 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - Lokpal who are appointed for public adherence receives their power from GOD. They perform their work only by the power of GOD. They have no power of their own.
The Divine Lotus Feet of GOD are the shelter place for the devotees and blessed souls. The ultimate aspiration of all the devotees and blessed souls is to find a place in the Divine Lotus Feet of GOD.
Every divine organ of GOD is an abode of glory. No matter how much you describe His splendor, it will still be like showing a lamp to GOD Shri SuryaNarayanji (Sun). Therefore, the eyes of the devotees are never satisfied even for a moment, even after regularly and constantly visualizing GOD. The eyes of true devotees always want to keep on visualizing the image of GOD.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- All who are appointed by GOD for some work do so with the power of GOD.
- Devotees aspire to dwell in the Divine Lotus Feet of GOD and to regularly and constantly visualize GOD through their eyes.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
93 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 11
VS 29 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - When GOD incarnate on earth to perform pastimes then those who are privileged to be with GOD, have tons of affection for GOD, this fact is reflected in this verse.
When GOD arrived in Shri Dwarkaji after taking farewell from Pandavas and met his mother then because of affection of meeting with GOD, stream of milk automatically started flowing from her breasts, her heart was overwhelmed with joy and she anointed GOD with the tears of joy.
We must love GOD with more love than we can imagine.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- We must love GOD to the greatest extent possible.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
94 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 12
VS 5-6 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - This verse stating about Dharmraj Shri Yudhishthirji is very enlightening.
We think that property, family, enjoyment and fame will give us pleasure but Dharmraj Shri Yudhishthirji has incomparable wealth, authority over great worlds, favorable family, ownership of Jambudweep (a big portion of the earth) and fame spread up to heaven. He had so much material of luxuriousness, for which even Deities yearn but still all that stuff did not give him happiness.
We also roam here and there in search of happiness and do all things to attain happiness but there is no happiness anywhere in the world. True bliss and divine ecstasy, which is a very high stage of happiness, is only in the contiguity of GOD.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- There is no happiness anywhere in the world. True bliss and divine ecstasy are only in the contiguity of GOD.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
95 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 12
VS 15-16 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - At the time of the birth of Shri Parikshitji, Brahmins told these words to Dharmraj Shri Yudhishthirji.
It is worth noting that GOD turns the movement of time from adverse to favorable. Time was destined to demolish the Pandava dynasty with the Brahmastra of Ashvatthama but GOD Himself entered into the womb and unruffled the power of Brahmastra by His cosh and graced the Pandavas by protecting the small infant Shri Parikshitji in the womb.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- Only GOD can turn the adverse time into a favorable time.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |
96 |
SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
(First Skandh) |
CH 13
VS 10 |
TRANSLATION OF WRITE-UP IN ENGLISH - Dharmraj Shri Yudhishthirji told the above words to Shri Vidurji, one of the favorite devotees of GOD. This verse states the glory of devotion.
By undertaking the devotion of GOD so many virtues are accumulated that the devotee himself becomes a pilgrimage. Holy pilgrimages are blessed to have such devotees with them because due to the movement of such devotees, pilgrimages also become supreme pilgrimage.
Such is the glory of a devotee because of devotion that he makes the pilgrimage a supreme pilgrimage.
GIST FOR ALL RELIGIONS
- Such is the glory of devotion that by the promenading of GOD’s devotee, the Holy pilgrimage also feels privileged and blessed.
ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION by: SHEELNIDHI GUPTA |