Preface
We must know the present need of human society. And what is that need? Human society is no longer bounded by geographical limits to particular countries or communities. Human society is broader than in the Middle Ages, and the world tendency is toward one state or one human society. The ideals of spiritual communism, according to Çrémad-Bhägavatam, are based more or less on the oneness of the entire human society, nay, on the entire energy of living beings. The need is felt by great thinkers to make this a successful ideology. Çrémad-Bhägavatam will fill this need in human society. It begins, therefore, with the aphorism of Vedänta philosophy (janmädy asya yataù) to establish the ideal of a common cause.
Human society, at the present moment, is not
in the darkness of oblivion. It has made rapid progress in the field of
material comforts, education and economic development throughout the entire
world. But there is a pinprick somehwere in the social body at large, and
therefore there are large-scale quarrels, even over less important issues.
There is need of a clue as to how humanity can become one in peace, friendship
and prosperity with a common cause. Çrémad-Bhägavatam will fill this
need, for it is a cultural presentation for the re-spiritualization of the
entire human society.
Çrémad-Bhägavatam should be introduced also in the schools and colleges,
for it is recommended by the great student devotee Prahläda Mahäräja in order
to change the demonic face of society.
kaumära äcaret präjïo dharmän bhägavatän iha
durlabhaà mänuñaà janma tad apy adhruvam arthadam
(Bhäg. 7.6.1)
Disparity in human society
is due to lack of principles in a godless civilization. There is God, or the
Almighty One, from whom everything emanates, by whom everything is maintained
and in whom everything is merged to rest. Material science has tried to find
the ultimate source of creation very insufficiently, but it is a fact that there
is one ultimate source of everything that be. This ultimate source is explained
rationally and authoritatively in the beautiful Bhägavatam or Çrémad-Bhägavatam.
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is the transcendental science not only for knowing the
ultimate source of everything but also for knowing our relation with Him and
our duty towards perfection of the human society on the basis of this perfect
knowledge. It is powerful reading matter in the Sanskrit language, and it is
now rendered into English elaborately so that simply by a careful reading one
will know God perfectly well, so much so that the reader will be sufficiently
educated to defend himself from the onslaught of atheists. Over and above this,
the reader will be able to convert others to accept God as a concrete
principle.
Çrémad-Bhägavatam begins with the definition of the ultimate source. It is
a bona fide commentary on the Vedänta-sütra by the same author, Çréla
Vyäsadeva, and gradually it develops into nine cantos up to .the highest state
of God realization. The only qualification one needs to study this great book
of transcendental knowledge is to proceed step by step cautiously and not jump
forward haphazardly like with an ordinary book. It should be gone through
chapter by chapter, one after another. The reading matter is so arranged with
its original Sanskrit text, its English transliteration, , translation and
purports so that one is sure to become a God realized soul at the end of
finishing the first nine cantos.
The Tenth Canto is distinct from the first
nine cantos, because it deals directly with the transcendental activities of
the Personality of Godhead Çré Kåñëa. One will be unable to capture the effects
of the Tenth Canto without going through the first nine cantos. The book is complete
in twelve cantos, each independent, but it is good for all to read them in
small installments one after another.
I must admit my frailties in presenting Çrémad-Bhägavatam,
but still I am hopeful of its good reception by the thinkers and leaders of
society on the strength of the following statement of Çrémad-Bhägavatam.
tad-vägvisargo janatägha-viplavo
yasmin pratiçlokam abaddhavaty api
nämäny anantasya yaço 'ìkitäni yac
chåëvanti gäyanti gåëanti sädhavaù
(Bhäg. 1.5.11)
(Bhäg. 1.5.11)
"On the other hand,
that literature which is full with descriptions of the transcendental glories
of the name, fame, form and pastimes of the unlimited Supreme Lord is a
transcendental creation meant to bring about a revolution in the impious life
of a misdirected civilization. Such transcendental literatures, even though
irregularly composed, are heard, sung and accepted by purified men who are
thoroughly honest."
Om Tat Sat.
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Dated at Delhi December 15,
1962
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