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Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - The Past Birth of Narada Rishi, an Illustration to Bhakti Yoga

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om || || Sri Veda Vyasaya Namaha ||व्यासाय विष्णुरूपाय व्यासरूपाय विष्णवे ।
नमो वै ब्रह्मनिधये वासिष्ठाय नमो नमः ॥Vyasa the form of Lord Vishnu, Vishnu the form of Lord Vyasa, my salutations to you the treasure of creation. My repeated salutations to you, the grandson of Vasishta Rishi.
व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
जयति जगति मायां यस्य कायाधवस्ते वचनरचनमेकं केवलं चाकलय्य​।ध्रुवपदमपि यातो यत्क्रुपातो ध्रुवोऽयं सकलकुशलपात्रं ब्रह्मपुत्रं नतास्मि॥Narada Rishi, Prahlada the son of Kayadhu, had full faith in your teachings that The Lord is present everywhere and would never let his devotee down. He held this even during his most adverse situation and won the blessings of Lord Sri Narasimha. So too, did Prince Dhruva had your advice & blessings and became immovable Star or Polar Star. You are generous and object of all auspiciousness. Your blessings will yield the siddhi of thoughts of The Lord at all times. My Salutations to you the Son of God Brahma.

मूकोऽपि यत्प्रसादेन मुकुन्दशयनायते ।राजराजायते रिक्तो राघवेन्द्रं तमाश्रये ॥Your mercy would confer the blessings of Lord Mukunda laying on God Sesha. Even a dumb become an eloquent speaker, a pauper becomes wealthy as God Kubera.
I seek refuge in you, Guru Raghavendra.
Answering to Lord Veda Vyasa’s request to tell him the reasons for his dissatisfaction even after composing several spiritual scriptures, Narada Rishi requests him to compose Srimad Bhagavatam with narration on the fame of Lord and his attributes in the language of Samadhi. 
Also, propagate Bhakti towards Lord by repeated singing, hearing, praising & taking refuge of Lord through Nivruti dharma of abstaining from sensual pleasures of material substance and worldly gains for the following reasons: Nivruti dharma leads to the accomplishment of Purushaartha. Else one will be like a ship caught in the storm at the middle of the sea.Though Pravruti dharma or worldly activities may yield immediate sensual pleasures, is short-lived. To support this would not suit the stature of Lord Veda Vyasa and the virtuous could get mislead.The practice of Pravruti dharma is vicious in nature leading downwards. But in practice of  Nivruti dharma options to redeem sins for any mistakes is possible and leads upwards.Whatever one may do, even accomplish the height of Brahmloka or any other below intermediate regions, would not experience the supreme bliss. Also, on the timeline of the cycle of death & birth, worldly happiness & sorrow would continue. Hence, without any special efforts for worldly happiness, the smart would practice Bhakti Yoga in Lord.When Lord Veda Vyasa himself composes, reading or hearing that will make the pollutant disappear leading to liberation from the cycle of death & birth to all virtuous. Also, the virtuous would become the devotees of the Lord.Those who are at the service of the Lotus feet of Lord, Sri Mukunda would never carry out actions of activities that would lead to the cycle of death & birth. Also, such people will not be troubled or tattered in samsara. Though they have to face minor issues and appear as if struggling in samsara, but they would be blessed with enough strength to easily overcome and get moksha.As an illustration of the practice of Nivruti dharma, Narada Rishi cites his life story of previous birth. He says, in my last birth, I was born to a maid who served at the house of Brahmins. The Brahmins who were engaged in deep study of Vedas through deliberations and arguments. Accomplished Sages and their followers visited them for Chatur Masa or the Vow of four Months starting from rainy season. My mother had engaged me to serve those Yogis for all their needs, says Narada rishi.Narada Rishi continues, ते मय्यपेताखिलचापलेऽर्भके दान्तेऽधृतक्रीडनकेऽनुवर्तिनि ||चक्रुः कृपां यद्यपि तुल्यदर्शनाः शुश्रूषमाणे मुनयोऽल्पभाषिणि ॥ २४॥Though I was a small boy, with the grace of Lord, I was able to exercise my will overall sensory organs. I had no specific desire for worldly things including playing like other children. Speaking very little, I was meeting all their requirements. Being pleased with my sober behavior, the impartial Sages having no likes and dislikes to good and bad, bestowed kind and generous favors on me. 
उच्छिष्टलेपाननुमोदितो द्विजैः सकृत्स्म भुञ्जे तदपास्तकिल्बिषः ।एवं प्रवृत्तस्य विशुद्धचेतसस्तद्धर्मएवात्मरुचिः प्रजायते ॥ २५॥The companions of holy sages prepared bhog or food for submission to Lord as naivedya during their prayers every day. Subsequently, they had the same as Prasada. After their acceptance of Prasada, I would clear the place of their eating. I would have उच्छिष्ट or the leftover food with their due permission. As they had the Prasada of Lord, once a day, I too used to have food only once a day. Doing so, all my sins got cleansed.This way daily doing the service of sages, my heart became light, crystal clear, stainless and devoid of any pollutant. Also, daily I observed the prayers of yogis, the way they worshipped to propitiate the Lord and sang His glory excellently. I was attracted to their dharma and developed a keen desire to do the same.
तत्रान्वहं कृष्णकथाः प्रगायतामनुग्रहेणाशृणवं मनोहराः ।ताः श्रद्धया मेऽनुपदं विशृण्वतः प्रियश्रवस्यङ्ग ममाभवद्रुचिः ॥ २६॥Maha Rishi, Vyasji! This company of wise & virtuous, their pastime of singing, repeated reading, narration, discourses on the attributes of Lord, his sports charm gave me access to hear the fascinating stories of Lord Sri Krishna. With full faith and devotion, I heard every word of them on the famous Lord who likes being praised. This stole my heart and ममाभवद्रुचिः brought delight in doing so, says Narada Rishi.This way, the company of wise & virtuous brought excellent benefit to me. All this happened because of absolute and unlimited favor on me by those virtuous & extremely kind-hearted Sages.
तस्मिंस्तदा लब्धरुचेर्महामुनेप्रियश्रवस्यास्खलिता मतिर्मम ।ययाहमेतत्सदसत्स्वमाययापश्ये मयि ब्रह्मणि कल्पितं परे ॥ २७॥The Great Sage! By then, my heart had fallen in love with the most charming Lord Manohara. My mind space got occupied by the most Famous Lord yielding unwavering Bhakti. Consequent to the steady Bhakti, I started seeing the beautiful form of universe constructed of Prakriti influenced by Goddess Maya as an idol of Lord Brahaman and same Lord Brahaman reflecting in my soul.  
इत्थं शरत्प्रावृषिकावृतू हरेर्विशृण्वतो मेऽनुसवं यशोऽमलम् ।सङ्कीर्त्यमानं मुनिभिर्महात्मभिर्भक्तिः प्रवृत्ताऽऽत्मरजस्तमोऽपहा ॥ २८॥As the virtuous sages sang the stainless fame of Lord three times a day for four months of both the seasons of Varsha or Rain and Sharad or autumn, I heard those sankeertana having fascinating stories of Lord Sri Krishna. Hearing their soft words full of love & affection, the Lotus of my heart blossomed in which the light of bhakti glowed. This bhakti destroyed Rajasika & Thamasika Guna that had occupied my Soul.
तस्यैवं मेऽनुरक्तस्य प्रश्रितस्य हतैनसः ।श्रद्दधानस्य बालस्य दान्तस्यानुचरस्य च ॥ २९॥Also, my devotion in those Yogis became intense helping me to serve them with full of humbleness. As I served those great Saints, the sins in me started to flee. My heart filled with faith, the sensory organs further came under my control and made myself available to their service physically, through speech and mind.
ज्ञानं गुह्यतमं यत्तत्साक्षाद्भगवतोदितम् ।अन्ववोचन् गमिष्यन्तः कृपया दीनवत्सलाः ॥ ३०॥When the kind-hearted sages planned to proceed to their next destination after the vow of four months, they initiated me with the most secret Knowledge. The one they had received directly from the divine mouth known for having an abundance of knowledge, the Lord himself.
येनैवाहं भगवतो वासुदेवस्य वेधसः ।मायानुभावमविदं येन गच्छन्ति तत्पदम् ॥ ३१॥That secret knowledge helped me understand the divine Maya of Lord Vasudeva for whom the acts of creation, sustenance, destruction & so on are a Sport. With this, one would be superbly blessed to understand the eminence of the Lord and realize self or Atman.    
एतत्संसूचितं ब्रह्मंस्तापत्रयचिकित्सितम् ।यदीश्वरे भगवति कर्म ब्रह्मणि भावितम् ॥ ३२॥Brahmarishi! My father, God Brahma who is the best of beings can sing Vedas only because of your initiation & support. Submission of all our actions to Lord Purushottama is the only divine medicine for curing difficulties causing distress.
I am indicating this secret what I have learned and understood as submission to you.
आमयो यश्च भूतानां जायते येन सुव्रत ।तदेव ह्यामयं द्रव्यं न पुनाति चिकित्सितम् ॥ ३३॥एवं नृणां क्रियायोगाः सर्वे संसृतिहेतवः ।त एवात्मविनाशाय कल्पन्ते कल्पिताः परे ॥ ३४॥If the food substance causing ill health is used to prepare the medicine and if that very medicine is used to cure the disease, will not heal. Similarly, all Karya or actions of human deeds are associated with sins causing bind to the cycle of death & birth. Therefore, with the same kriya yoga, the cycle of death & birth cannot be broken.  However, by submission of same Karya or deed to the Lord, the relation of that very activity or deed will get disassociated with the individual. So too, the sins associated with such actions or deeds will fall without an attachment causing no-bind with the cycle of death & birth.       
यदत्र क्रियते कर्म भगवत्परितोषणम् ।ज्ञानं यत्तदधीनं हि भक्तियोगसमन्वितम् ॥ ३५॥The deserving actions leading to the activity of propitiating Lord for pleasing him by submission bestows knowledge & bhakti. The knowledge and bhakti thus obtained is a part & parcel of Bhakti Yoga.  
कुर्वाणा यत्र कर्माणि भगवच्छिक्षयासकृत् ।गृणन्ति गुणनामानि कृष्णस्यानुस्मरन्ति च ॥ ३६॥All actions of those activities associated with pleasing Lord is considered as His dictum to be performed. Hence, people accept such directions of Lord Krishna by remembering him and singing his attributes repeatedly with unrelenting efforts.  
Also, they worship the Lord in his four formations as,नमो भगवते तुभ्यं वासुदेवाय धीमहि ।प्रद्युम्नायानिरुद्धाय नमः सङ्कर्षणाय च ॥ ३७॥Salutations to Bhagavan Vasudeva and our meditation to Him. Also, Salutations to his forms of Sankarshana, Pradumna, and Aniruddha.
इति मूर्त्यभिधानेन मन्त्रमूर्तिममूर्तिकम् ।यजते यज्ञपुरुषं स सम्यग्दर्शनः पुमान् ॥ ३८॥This way doing the sankeertana of the four formations of Lord Vasudeva, who has no influence of Prakriti being in the form of mantra or sacred text and to whom all worship would reach as he is the only Yagna Purusha is a Jnani or Learned & smart.
इमं स्वनिगमं ब्रह्मन्नवेत्य मदनुष्ठितम् ।अदान्मे ज्ञानमैश्वर्यं स्वस्मिन् भावं च केशवः ॥ ३९॥I too, as per the wish of Lord Bhagavan carried on with my life having great devotion in him. Doing activities that have been submitted to him. Pleased with that, Lord Keshava, always being worshipped by Gods Brahma & Shiva blessed me with Atma Jnana or self-realization, Ishwarya, and bhakti.   
त्वमप्यदभ्रश्रुतविश्रुतं विभोः समाप्यते येन विदां बुभुत्सितम् ।आख्याहि ।प्रख्याहि दुःखैर्मुहुरर्दितात्मनां सङ्क्लेशनिर्वाणमुशन्ति नान्यथा ॥ ४०॥The Lord of the treasure of Knowledge, you are poorna or complete. You should compose the fame of Lord, his sports charms that is adorable. By remembering him, singing his fame, thinking about him, all that has to be known will be understood. Even for the most intellectual, the delibrations will get completed as nothing will remain to be discussed.     Also, the various types of difficulties causing sorrow will start disappearing. But for this, there is no other strategy to accomplish Solace.
इति श्रीमद्भागवते महापुराणे पारमहंस्यां संहितायां प्रथमस्कन्धे व्यासनारदसंवादे पञ्चमोऽध्यायः ॥ ५॥With this, we complete a part of "Conversation between Lord Veda Vyasa and Narada Rishi" as fifth Adhyaya, of Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1.We could do so only with the grace of Guru Sri Raghavendra and all his philosophical associates including Sri Saunaka & his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacahrya, Sri Sukachary, God Vayu, and Sri Hari as their Jnana Prasada.
By comparing this conversation to the second verse of Mangalacharna wherein Lord Veda Vyasa has said,धर्मः प्रोज्झितकैतवोऽत्र परमो निर्मत्सराणां सतां वेद्यं वास्तवमत्र वस्तु शिवदं तापत्रयोन्मूलनम् ।श्रीमद्भागवते महामुनिकृते किं वा परैरीश्वरः सद्यो हृद्यवरुध्यतेऽत्र कृतिभिः शुश्रूषुभिस्तत्क्षणात् ॥Srimad Bhagavatam contains the complete knowledge of Dharma which holds one from falling down, purifies and puts on to the path leading to the Lord. This path seeks the continued practice of honoring, worshipping, admiring & praising The Lord without any jealousy or expectation nor being deceptive. While being on the path, removes all sorts of difficulties, bestows prosperity, makes one sajjana or virtuous and solidify bhakti or devotion. Hence, Srimad Bhagavatam composed by The Lord Veda Vyasa himself is great and guarantees to reveal the Lord who is always present in the heart of all the individuals.
Deva Rishi Narada has a deep understanding of Lord Veda Vyasa’s teachings to letter & spirit. In fact, being an axiom, he has siddhi or perfection. Therefore, his conversation is an elaboration of the above second verse of mangalacharna. Consistent to the प्रोज्झित or projjhita dharma of being jealous and having expectations always that is worthy of being shunned by the virtuous, Narada Rishi has submitted to Lord requesting to preach निवृत्ति Nivruti dharma of abstaining from it.This is a worthy milestone because of all that is in rest of Srimad Bhagavatam is an elaboration of this first five Adhyaya of first Skanda. Also, all that is in the first five Adhyaya is summarised in the first three Adhyaya and in turn summarised in the first three verses of Srimad Bhagavatam and further summarised as the first verse. Also, every reading and contemplation of these five Adhyaya is like peeling a layer before reaching the core. Hence, let’s pray to Lord Hari, Vayu & Gurus to bless us with repeated studies of these five Adhyaya and the study of rest of Srimad Bhagavatam.

|| Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - The First Principles of Bhakti Yoga by Narada Rishi

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om || || Sri Veda Vyasaya Namaha ||व्यासाय विष्णुरूपाय व्यासरूपाय विष्णवे ।
नमो वै ब्रह्मनिधये वासिष्ठाय नमो नमः ॥Vyasa the form of Lord Vishnu, Vishnu the form of Lord Vyasa, my salutations to you the treasure of creation. My repeated salutations to you, the grandson of Vasishta Rishi.
व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
जयति जगति मायां यस्य कायाधवस्ते वचनरचनमेकं केवलं चाकलय्य​।ध्रुवपदमपि यातो यत्क्रुपातो ध्रुवोऽयं सकलकुशलपात्रं ब्रह्मपुत्रं नतास्मि॥Narada Rishi, Prahlada the son of Kayadhu, had full faith in your teachings that The Lord is present everywhere and would never let his devotee down. He held this even during his most adverse situation and won the blessings of Lord Sri Narasimha. So too, did Prince Dhruva had your advice & blessings and became immovable Star or Polar Star. You are generous and object of all auspiciousness. Your blessings will yield the siddhi of thoughts of The Lord at all times. My Salutations to you the Son of God Brahma.
मूकोऽपि यत्प्रसादेन मुकुन्दशयनायते ।राजराजायते रिक्तो राघवेन्द्रं तमाश्रये ॥Your mercy would confer the blessings of Lord Mukunda laying on God Sesha.  Even a dumb become an eloquent speaker, a pauper becomes wealthy as God Kubera. I seek refuge in you, Guru Raghavendra.
Knowing that Lord Veda Vyasa was extending the kindest & generous gesture of crediting the manifestation of Srimad Bhagavatam to him, Narada Rishi prayed to Lord Veda Vyasa requesting him to compose stories having Lord’s names singing his attributes, elaborating his fame in the language of samadhi or instructive way. This would enable the following to the people of Kali Yuga: a) The cleansing pollutant of Kali,b) Redemption of Sins,c) Hone the attitude of Bhakti,d) The sight of Lord ande) The Lord himself Further, Narada Rishi continues to say,नैष्कर्म्यमप्यच्युतभाववर्जितंन शोभते ज्ञानमलं निरञ्जनम् ।कुतः पुनः शश्वदभद्रमीश्वरे न चार्पितं कर्म यदप्यकारणम् ॥ १२॥Most of the spiritual activities that we do include Sandyavandana, or morning prayers, or visiting temples, and so on is as a duty. Many a time this becomes mechanical without being heartfelt nor expression of feelings and hence is not liked. Similar is in the study of indoctrinations or Shastras. If not done with Bhakti, then the activity would not yield progress. Also, doing with some expectations is inauspicious. Even after doing without expectations, but if not submitted to the Lord would not delight him. Hence, the practitioner should do all activities with heartfelt Bhakti in the Lord without any expectations to make the needle of merit move says Narada Rishi.   Though from ज्ञानं or Knowledge is अमलं or stainless निरञ्जनं purity i.e. One could remove all defects and also avoid it with Knowledge. One could be an expert in all indoctrinations of Philosophy including Amarakosha or Thesaurus, Grammer, all Vedas, Vedantas, Mahabarata, Ramayana, and so on. But if he has no devotion or Bhakti towards Lord Achyutha or अच्युतभाववर्जितं, then न शोभते or he is not fit or of any use is what Narada Rishi is saying. कुतः पुनः or If that is the status of Knowledge, which is on higher-order, then what could be told about actions. All actions should be done to propitiate the Lord and please him with नैष्कर्म्य or abstinence of act including its consequences. That is possible only when done with Bhakti. Hence, whatever action one might have undertaken including the best of charity like establishing Educational Institution or Hospitals or old age Homes or construction of Lakes or Ponds for water, or any best act but न चार्पितं कर्म or if not submitted to the Indweller, the Lord then it is अभद्र or inauspicious. 
अथो महाभाग भवानमोघदृक्शुचिश्रवाः सत्यरतो धृतव्रतः ।उरुक्रमस्याखिलबन्धमुक्तयेसमाधिनानुस्मर तद्विचेष्टितम् ॥ १३॥The Holy one, you have the divine vision and have become famous for your chastity. Also, your vow or commitment to upholding honesty and the study of Vedas is worshipped by all. Hence, to liberate from the confinement of the cycle of death and birth of अखिलबन्धमुक्त or all the virtuous Jivas, please compose the extraordinary fame of Lord in the language of Samadhi. The fame of Lord for singing and admiration by Jivas at all times.
ततोऽन्यथा किञ्चन यद्विवक्षतः पृथग् दृशस्तत्कृतरूपनामभिः ।न कुत्रचित्क्वापि च दुःस्थिता मतिर्लभेत वाताहतनौरिवास्पदम् ॥ १४॥Without singing the fame of Lord, if one narrates anything else according to his own wish that would not be of any use to his objectives of Life or Purusharta. In fact, he would be stuck in the storm of his own creation. The storm manifested out of his wishes. His mind space gets occupied with diverse and contrasting views. Therefore, making him like a ship caught in a storm in the middle of the sea.  
जुगुप्सितं धर्मकृतेऽनुशासतः स्वभावरक्तस्य महान् व्यतिक्रमः ।यद्वाक्यतो धर्म इतीतरः स्थितो न मन्यते तस्य निवारणं जनः ॥ १५॥All of us who are entangled with the thread of action and stuck in the cycle of death & birth are engrossed in materialistic activities. If you too, compose spiritual literature benefiting the most reprimandable material substance or worldly gains, the situation would become extremely जुगुप्सितं or disgusting. Because, from your statement, the foolish people would consider and decide that even the reprimandable as dharma.   We are so passionate about Science, our understanding of the Universe, gadgets like Mobile, Laptops, or even Technology like the internet and so on. The WhatsApp messages or Blogs as this is pretty cool, connecting all of us. This gives us a sense of progress and development. However, Narada Rishi knowing the future is requesting here to Lord Veda Vyasa not to endorse any of these. He says it would be जुगुप्सितं or disgusting. Our belief that the word of Srimad Bhagavatam is being spread through this Internet may fall flat as this has been happening since ages. Maybe more than 5000 years. Even before we started cutting woods to get bark, chip it & make pulp by adding chemicals &  cooking before rolling it as paper, recover some chemicals and puke rest causing more harm. Let alone the Internet. Also, it is not that the necessary knowledge like farming or trading or arms or even advanced knowledge like खगोल शास्त्र or astronomy for calculating eclipses or auspicious time was not available since then.
विचक्षणोऽस्यार्हति वेदितुं विभोरनन्तपारस्य निवृत्तितः सुखम् ।प्रवर्तमानस्य गुणैरनात्मनस्ततो भवान् दर्शय चेष्टितं विभोः ॥ १६॥You are a Genius! You are fully acquainted with the immeasurable energy of Lord Bhagavan and his sport. Also, the bliss that manifests after developing dispassion towards worldly life. Therefore, showing mercy on the virtuous people who have engrossed in worldly activities, please show them the spiritual path of निवृत्ति dharma or abstaining from sensual pleasures. So that, even they too can engage in Bhakti Yoga, break the cycle of death & birth by receiving Prasada of Aproksha Jnana from Lord. Consequently, get rid of Lingadeha or the shield of Prakriti encapsulating Atma and realize “Self”, prays Narad Rishi to Lord Veda Vyasa.The प्रवृत्ति dharma or worldly activities may yield immediate sensual pleasures. But it is short-lived. For example, one may work hard and get good Qualification or Profession or Business or earn a lot of money or earn high social status. This could be lost for any reasons. May be due to gambling, or robbery or have a spendthrift child or for health reasons or even reasons of force majeure like nature’s fury of rains & storms or social unrest. The same is not assured always by the act of time and its secret behavior in one’s life nor in any subsequent lives. However, not so with निवृत्ति dharma or spiritual path of abstaining from sensual pleasure to only please Lord. If one has accomplished good spiritual progress gaining high merits and for some reasons of anger or fun does wrongdoing. The kind-hearted and generous Lord would not quash those merits. But would allow him to correct or redeem sins and continue on a spiritual path from where he had left carrying forward the merits that he had already accrued even though of previous births.
त्यक्त्वा स्वधर्मं चरणाम्बुजं हरेर्भजन्नपक्वोऽथ पतेत्ततो यदि ।यत्र क्व वाभद्रमभूदमुष्य किं को वार्थ आप्तोऽभजतां स्वधर्मतः ॥ १७॥If one gives-up the worldly activities of materialistic happiness to follow the path of Bhakti Yoga of propitiating Lord and meets death before accomplishing results, will it cause inauspiciousness? Says Narada Rishi with question affirmation. In other words, yes there will be always auspiciousness, for those who propitiate Lord having a heart filled with Bhakti without expectations even in future lives. Similarly, for those who are always involved in the worldly activities and averse to the worship of Lord, is there any special benefits? Says Narada Rishi with question affirmation. In other words, there would be no benefits after death for those who are involved in worldly activities. Hence,

Doing Bhakti Yoga without any expectations & contemplating the sport's charm of the Lord is the only key to success.

You know that this is the only way to always remember and be mindful of Lord. Hence, please compose the famous sport’s charm of Lord that sings his glory as that is the most beneficial to the ordinary people. And brings auspiciousness to the world.   
तस्यैव हेतोः प्रयतेत कोविदो न लभ्यते यद्भ्रमतामुपर्यधः ।तल्लभ्यते दुःखवदन्यतः सुखं कालेन सर्वत्र गभीररंहसा ॥ १८॥Though, even if the Jiva reaches the height of Brahmloka or any other below intermediate regions, would not experience the supreme bliss. Also, on the timeline of the cycle of death & birth, worldly happiness & sorrow would continue. Hence, without making any special efforts for worldly happiness, the smart ones would practice Bhakti Yoga in Lord.The Gopikas of Vrindavana did so. Without getting attached to the day to day worldly matters, they worshipped Lord Sri Krishna by pouring all their heart & soul. Doing this way is supreme.
Narada Rishi, with his heart brimming with Bhakti repeatedly addressing Lord Veda Vyasa as Great Saint! Says,न वै जनो जातु कथञ्चनाव्रजेन्मुकुन्दसेव्यन्यवदङ्ग संसृतिम् ।स्मरन् मुकुन्दाङ्घ्र्युपगूहनं पुनर्विहातुमिच्छेन्न रसग्रहो यतः ॥ १९॥Those who are at the service of the Lotus feet of Lord Sri Mukunda would never carry out actions of activities that would lead to the cycle of death & birth. If once, one tastes the nectar of Bhakti Yoga, he would get engrossed in the Lotus feet of Lord, never to leave like the business of honey bee has no time for Sorrow and sink in the ocean of ecstasy.    

While the bees fly to flowers to drink nectar, mosquitoes fly to the filth to multiply!

इदं हि विश्वं भगवानिवेतरो यतो जगत्स्थाननिरोधसम्भवाः ।तद्धि स्वयं वेद भवांस्तथापि वै प्रादेशमात्रं भवतः प्रदर्शितम् ॥ २०॥This universe itself is a shape & figure of the Lord. In all living beings is also Lord. However, he stands above all by surpassing all living chetana and nonliving achetana. It is He who does the Creation, Protection, Destruction, and so on. You know all about the Lord. I have just made an attempt to indicate about Him. Hence, please elaborate on the Sports Charm and attributes of the Lord says Narada Rishi with sentiments and posture oozing humility.      
त्वमात्मनाऽऽत्मानमवेह्यमोघदृक्परस्यपुंसः परमात्मनः कलाम् ।अजं प्रजातं जगतः शिवाय तन्महानुभावाभ्युदयोऽधिगण्यताम् ॥ २१॥You're eminent, your sight, your vision is efficacious and unfailing.  Your appearance is the form of Paramatma, Lord Purusha. Kindly consider that. Though eternal having no death nor birth, you appear for the prosperity of this Universe. Hence, please sing the exclusive and the choicest fame of Lord.   
इदं हि पुंसस्तपसः श्रुतस्य वा स्विष्टस्य सूक्तस्य च बुद्धिदत्तयोः ।अविच्युतोऽर्थः कविभिर्निरूपितो यदुत्तमश्लोकगुणानुवर्णनम् ॥ २२॥The knowledgeable have concluded that better than worshiping Lord through Austerity (Tapa) or Studying Vedas or Fire Sacrifices (Yagna) or Self Study (Svaadhyaya) or Sacrifice to acquire Knowledge (Jnana Yagna) or Charity is singing the Divine Fame of Lord that includes his Holy attributes and His Sports Charm.
अहं पुरातीतभवेऽभवं मुने दास्यास्तु कस्याश्चन वेदवादिनाम् ।निरूपितो बालक एव योगिनां शुश्रूषणे प्रावृषि निर्विविक्षताम् ॥ २३॥Oh! Great Sage, the result for having done all this including singing the divine fame of Lord having holy attributes, his sports charm is my life story itself. In my last birth, I was born to a maid who served at the house of Brahmins. The Brahmins who were engaged in deep study of Vedas through deliberations and arguments. Some Yogis visited them for Chatur Masa or the Vow of Four Months starting from rainy season. My mother had engaged me to serve those Yogis for all their needs, says Narada rishi.Looking forward to the continued blessings of Hari, Vayu, and Gurus to hear the Life Story of Narada Rishi.Being on the topic, Srinivasa Nayaka was a jeweler and popularly known as Navakoti Narayana for his wealth of over ninety million. But giving up everything to become Sri Purandara Dasaru. He lived during 1484-1564 AD and is believed to be a अंश or part of Narada Rishi. Tapping us gently to wake us up from the slumber of worldly pleasure, he has composed a song saying he has taken up the business of honey bees of relishing the nectar from the Lotus feet of Lord Purundara Vittala. Also, this song was in a Kannada film Navakoti Narayana (1964) sung by the famous duet S. Janaki & M. Balamuralikrishna. Let's take a look at it with English translation in a font:  madhukara vrtti ennadu adu balu cennadu  || P ||I have a business like that of the honey bee, that is very GoodpadumanAbhana pAda paduma madhupavemba  || AP ||Lord Padumanabha’s feet being the Lotus for sucking nectar kAlige gejje kaTTi nIla varNana guNa ALApisutta balu olaga mADuvantha  || 1  ||Wearing the anklets with jingles, setting forth the musical notes to sing the attributes of the blue colored Lord suitable for Olaga instrument I have a business like that of the honey bee, that is very GoodranganAthana guNa hingade pADutta shrngAra nODutta kangaLAnandavemba  || 2  ||Singing the attributes of Lord Ranganatha without being exhausted, admiring his handsomeness to be filled with happiness I have a business like that of the honey bee, that is very GoodindirApati purandara viTTalanalli chendada bhaktiyinda Anandava paDuvantha  || 3 ||The Lord of Goddess Indra, Sri Purandara Vittala in whom doing good Bhakti and filling the heart with happiness, I have a business like that of the honey bee, that is very Good
|| Hari Om ||May wish to check out the below link for the sound bites of the above song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re4oP-nSQ04&list=RDRe4oP-nSQ04&start_radio=1
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Narada Rishi visits Lord Veda Vyasa

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om || || Sri Veda Vyasaya Namaha ||
व्यासाय विष्णुरूपाय व्यासरूपाय विष्णवे ।नमो वै ब्रह्मनिधये वासिष्ठाय नमो नमः ॥Vyasa the form of Lord Vishnu, Vishnu the form of Lord Vyasa, my salutations to you the treasure of creation. My repeated salutations to you, the grandson of Vasishta Rishi.
व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
जयति जगति मायां यस्य कायाधवस्ते वचनरचनमेकं केवलं चाकलय्य​।ध्रुवपदमपि यातो यत्क्रुपातो ध्रुवोऽयं सकलकुशलपात्रं ब्रह्मपुत्रं नतास्मि॥Narada Rishi, Prahlada the son of Kayadhu, had full faith in your teachings that The Lord is present everywhere and would never let his devotee down. He held this even during his most adverse situation and won the blessings of Lord Sri Narasimha. So too, did Prince Dhruva had your advice & blessings and became immovable Star or Polar Star. You are generous and object of all auspiciousness. Your blessings will yield the siddhi of thoughts of The Lord at all times. My Salutations to you the Son of God Brahma.
मूकोऽपि यत्प्रसादेन मुकुन्दशयनायते ।राजराजायते रिक्तो राघवेन्द्रं तमाश्रये ॥Your mercy would confer the blessings of Lord Mukunda laying on God Sesha.  Even a dumb become an eloquent speaker, a pauper becomes wealthy as God Kubera. I seek refuge in you, Guru Raghavendra. During which time, which places and for what reason was Srimad Bhagavatam composed? And so on were the questions of Sri Shaunaka Rishi. Answering all the questions, Sri Suthacharya lists the following Literary works of Lord Veda Vyasa:1.     Compiling Vedas into four sections as Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvana Veda.2.     Composing Brahma Sutra having the conclusive meaning of Vedas with Jignasa or delibrations.3.   Composing Mahabarata detailing Vedas in the form of stories and Vedanta in the form of Vishnu Sahasranama & Bhagavad Gita. 4.     Puranas detailing the conclusive meaning of Vedas in the form of stories. Before composing the eighteenth (18th)  Purana, Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Veda Vyasa delays as if like an ordinary author or a rishi. In the north of Badri or Vishala, on the banks of River Saraswati after having carried out morning activities, while sitting at a lonely and holy place, Narada Rishi appears to Lord Veda Vyasa. Narada Rishi was wearing red robes, holding Veena and doing sankeertana.The Poorna or complete Lord having immeasurable attributes including being bhaktavatsala for whom devotees are most dear, delays composition of Srimad Bhagavatam. This is to credit the initiation of composing Srimad Bhagavata to Narada Rishi:As Lord Veda Vyasa saw the arrival of Narada Rishi, Sri Sutacharya says,तमभिज्ञाय सहसा प्रत्युत्थायागतं मुनिः ।पूजयामास विधिवन्नारदं सुरपूजितम् ॥As Lord saw the arrival of Narada Rishi, he got up and welcomed Narada Rishi. He invites Narada Rishi as guest needs to be invited by everyone. Lord Veda Vyasa says न्नारदं सुरपूजितम्, Narada Rishi, even the Gods worship you.Sri Suthacharya says,अथ तं सुखमासीन उपासीनं बृहच्छ्रवाः ।देवर्षिः प्राह विप्रर्षिं वीणापाणिः स्मयन्निव ॥ १॥ Narad RishiThe generous, kind-hearted, & famous Narada Rishi, an object of all auspiciousness always holding Veena sat close to Lord Veda Vyasa wearing a closed-lip smile. Narada Rishi knew that Lord Veda Vyasa was delaying and had decided to compose Srimad Bhagavatam. However, he was conducting himself as any other Rishi on the earth. Every Jiva taking birth on this earth has a mission to be accomplished. Till the time of accomplishment, Jiva feels scared and confused. Helpless some times. Knowing the objective and developing the required skill should be the purpose of life. The completely satisfied Lord having no expectation was conducting like another helpless, confused or scared Jiva.Seeing all this, Narada Rishi inquired,
पाराशर्य महाभाग भवतः कच्चिदात्मना ।परितुष्यति शारीर आत्मा मानस एव वा ॥ २॥जिज्ञासितं सुसम्पन्नमपि ते महदद्भुतम् ।कृतवान् भारतं यस्त्वं सर्वार्थपरिबृंहितम् ॥ ३॥जिज्ञासितमधीतं च यत्तद्ब्रह्म सनातनम् ।अथापि शोचस्यात्मानमकृतार्थ इव प्रभो ॥ ४॥The most eminent, distinguished and a treasure of attributes, Son of Parashara! Is your body & mind, fine? Have you accomplished all actions and the strategies that bring happiness to you? You know all the indoctrinations that are to be known or exists. Composition of Mahabarata is your stellar performance. It is complete having all meanings of Vedas, has all that is in this world including all objectives of life or Purusharta. Also, after deep thinking and proper understanding, the Vedanta or concepts on Sanatana or of oldest Lord has been well captured by you in Brahma Sutras. With all this, your goal should have been completed.Even then, without being pleased, why are you expressing dissatisfaction like any other Rishi? Lord Veda Vyasa replies,अस्त्येव मे सर्वमिदं त्वयोक्तं तथापि नात्मा परितुष्यते मे ।तन्मूलमव्यक्तमगाधबोधंपृच्छामहे त्वात्मभवात्मभूतम् ॥ ५॥स वै भवान् वेद समस्तगुह्यमुपासितो यत्पुरुषः पुराणः ।परावरेशो मनसैव विश्वं सृजत्यवत्यत्ति गुणैरसङ्गः ॥ ६॥त्वं पर्यटन्नर्क इव त्रिलोकीमन्तश्चरो वायुरिवात्मसाक्षी ।परावरे ब्रह्मणि धर्मतो व्रतैः स्नातस्य मे न्यूनमलं विचक्ष्व ॥ ७॥Narada Rishi, All that you have said is true. There is no doubt in that. Yet my heart is not pleasant nor is my mind lucid. I am not able to find the reasons. You have vast & deep knowledge. You have born out of the intellect of God Brahma. You are his Son. Hence, I am asking the reason for my dissatisfaction to you. You should tell me.Deva Rishi, you are a saint even to Gods. You are aware of all deep mysteries. You have successfully worshiped Lord Bhagavan, the Supreme Purusha. The Lord Bhagavan who regulates all the reasons for the action. Has an immeasurable amount of Iccha Shakti or the power of will to create, sustain destroy, & so on the entire universe, the Jnana Shakti or the Knowledge required to do so and Kriya Shakti or the power to execute. And, without being touched or struck in any bind to actions. Like the Sun rays lights-up the three worlds, so too, Vayu or air and you too travel in all regions. With your power of yoga, like God Prana, you enter all Jiva worshipping Paramatma, the Supreme Lord in each of them.  Hence, you have knowledge of everyone’s thoughts and feeling. You are a witness of all thoughts & feelings of any Jiva.Having done all spiritual practices as prescribed in the indoctrinations with full faith and propitiated the Omnipresent, Eternal, Independent & Supreme Lord Brahman, I should have been engulfed in bliss. But, I am not having such an experience! Please let me know the reasons, asks Lord Veda Vyasa.Lord Veda Vyasa having the knowledge of past, present & future has weaved even this incident to mesmerize the people and credit his dear devotee, Narada Rishi for the manifestation of Srimad Bhagavatam
Narada Rishi says,भवतानुदितप्रायं यशो भगवतोऽमलम् ।येनैवासौ न तुष्येत मन्ये तद्दर्शनं खिलम् ॥ ८॥Veda VyasaJi! Probably you have not composed literature having only the fame of the Lord! The fame which has the power to cleanse the stain of Kali. Lord would be most pleased with the writing of his Fame. Other than that, he would not be completely pleased with any other philosophy. Also, those philosophies that do not please him is useless and waste.   यथा धर्मादयश्चार्था मुनिवर्यानुकीर्तिताः ।न तथा वासुदेवस्य महिमा ह्यनुवर्णितः ॥ ९॥Great Saint, You have exhaustively explained Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha giving all details. And, one could do so. But the fame of Lord Vasudeva would always become incomplete.  It is immeasured. Hence, please elaborate on His fame.न यद्वचश्चित्रपदं हरेर्यशो जगत्पवित्रं प्रगृणीत कर्हिचित् ।तद्वायसं तीर्थमुशन्ति मानसा न यत्र हंसा निरमन्त्युशिक्क्षयाः ॥ १०॥A Literature having words alphabets & their arrangement, depictions of sentiments, the figure of speech adorning the literary composition could be very attractive. But, if it does not extol the abundant fame of Lord Hari that purifies the world, then it is of evil. The swans of divine Manasarovar Lake would abandon the other polluted lakes as only suitable for Crows. Similarly, the Paramahamsa or the enlightened Spiritual Teachers would abandon the Literary Works that does not contain the fame of Lord Hari as polluted and corrupt.तद्वाग्विसर्गो जनताघविप्लवो यस्मिन् प्रतिश्लोकमबद्धवत्यपि ।नामान्यनन्तस्य यशोऽङ्कितानि यच्छृण्वन्ति गायन्ति गृणन्ति साधवः ॥ ११॥However, those literary works having the name of Lord Achyuta in every verse can purify the sins of people. Since the enlightened spiritual teachers, the virtuous would hear, repeat, sing, praise & take refuge of Lord who has no decline through those literary works making it divine. There are three types of languages used for communication in Hindu scripture i.e Guhiya or secretive way, Samadhi or instructive way and Darshana or philosophical way. The all-knowing originator of Languages, Lord Veda Vyasa has blended all these ways of communication in his literature including Mahabharata. Hence, debates are done to date if Karna or Arjuna is real Hero!  Also, Karna has been eulogized as a broad hearted, courageous & tragic hero by some. And so on allowing different views or positions yielding targeted messaging, though.Also, if by only telling Dharma or rules to be followed, the individual would get perturbed. Mahabarata not only includes Guhiya, Samadhi & Darshana way of communication but says what is right and what is wrong in every step of the great story.  Hence, Narada Rishi prays Lord Veda Vyasa to compose Srimad Bhagavatam having only Samadhi or the instructive way to enable people of Kali Yuga to easily understand without much contradictions.    Remembering Srimad Bhagavata Mahatmyam 08 - Srimad Bhagavata, Redemption from Sins, The Siri Ramana Tava Charana poem, Sri Jaganatha Dasaru has brought forward the significance of Lord's name. The excerpts of same are furnished below for immediate recall:Narahariye ninna naamasmarane maadade narakakke Guriyaadeno | AP |Siriramana tava charana dorakuvudu hyaanginnu Parama paapishta naanu | P |Lord Narahari! Having not even remember your name, I am on the verge of falling into the Hell!My Lord, even Siri, the goddess of abundance looks to you for happiness.Where do I stand to pray to Your lotus feet?I am an extreme sinner!Sri Puranadara Dasaru (1484-1564), is believed to be the अंश or part of Narada Rishi. Knowing us, as subservient to our Indriyas or sense-organs has composed the below "Acharavillada naalige" song in Kannada. Also, the song was in a famous Kannada film Upaasane (1974). This is a song of frustration for those wishing to move out of the clutches Indriyas. And unless felt so, would keep us away from Lord. Let's take look at it with English translation in a font:   Acharavillada naalige, ninna neecha buddhiya bidu naligeVicharavillade parara dooshipudakke, chaachi kondiruvantha naalige. ll Achara llThe Devious one! Give-up your mean mindedness, Oh! TongueBeing stupid & as if eager to blame others, Oh! Dangling TongueThe Devious one! Give-up your mean mindedness, Oh! Tongue
Pratahkaladoleddu naalige, siri pathiyennabarade naaligepathita pavana namma ratipatijanakanasathathavu nudi kandya naalige ll Achara llGetting up early morning, Oh! Tongue; should you not say SiriPati, Oh! TongueThe Pathita Pavana, purifier of sins, our dear Ratipatijanaka, the father of Anirudha Haven’t you seen the repetition of his name of Sri Krishna always, Oh! TongueThe Devious one! Give-up your mean mindedness, Oh! Tongue
Chaadi helalu beda nalige, ninna bedikombuvenu naligeroodhigodeya SriRamana namava paduthaliru kandya naalige ll Achara llDo not carry tales, oh! Tongue; I beg of you, oh! Tongue;Haven’t you seen the famous Lord, Sri Rama’s name always being sung, Oh! TongueThe Devious one! Give-up your mean mindedness, Oh! Tongue
Hariya smarane madu naalige; Narahariya bhajise kandya naligevarada purandara vittalarayana; charana kamala nene naalige llAchara llKeep remembering Lord Hari, Oh! Tongue; Haven’t you seen the worship of Lord Narahari
Keep remembering the lotus feet of Lord Purundara Vlttala, the giver of boons, Oh! Tongue    
|| Hari Om ||May wish to check out the below link for the sound bites of the above song sung by the famous Sri Vidyabhushana - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUJUbJvt4Lg
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||