Category Archives: Chapters from Srimad Bhagavatham

Chapter 20. Jnana yoga, karma yoga and bhakti yoga – an analysis.

In the 20th chapter, Uddhava tells the Lord that he is bewildered, since it is by His word (the Vedas) alone that the distinction between good and evil is to be determined; and again it is by His word that the distinction is negatived. How then is an aspirant to attain liberation (moksha) without taking into consideration this distinction?

Continue reading Chapter 20. Jnana yoga, karma yoga and bhakti yoga – an analysis.

Chapter 21. The criterion for determining purity/impurity auspiciousness or otherwise, virtuosity / wickedness etc. – understanding the language of the Vedas what they prescribe and their ultimate objective.

The 21st chapter is a continuation of the discourse started in the 20th chapter. The Lord tells Uddhava that those who abandon all the three paths of jnana, karma and bhakti, and enjoy the trifling pleasures of senses undergo transmigration.

Continue reading Chapter 21. The criterion for determining purity/impurity auspiciousness or otherwise, virtuosity / wickedness etc. – understanding the language of the Vedas what they prescribe and their ultimate objective.

Chapter 22. Resolving confusion regarding the number of categories (tattvas) – distinction between prakriti and purusha-nature of birth and death for the Jiva and experiences under gone in the body – need to compose the mind.

In the 22nd chapter Uddhava asks the Lord as to the number of categories or fundamental principals (tattvas) involved in creation. The Lord himself referred to 28 categories (in chapter 19); some say it is 26,others 25,some others 7,9,6 and 4,while others mention 11,17,16,13,etc. Why this confusion in numbers,? asks Uddhava. In reply, the Lord says that whatever brahmins, well versed in the Vedas, declare, is right.

Continue reading Chapter 22. Resolving confusion regarding the number of categories (tattvas) – distinction between prakriti and purusha-nature of birth and death for the Jiva and experiences under gone in the body – need to compose the mind.

Chapter 23. The ballad of the forbearing Brahman who remained calm and composed in the face of extreme abuse.

In the 23rd chapter, the Lord concedes that there is scarcely any pious soul in this world who can remain calm and composed in mind when agitated by abusive words uttered by the wicked, which wrankle in his heart and torment him. The Lord then narrates the story of a rich brahmin who lived in Avanthi and who was very miserly.

Continue reading Chapter 23. The ballad of the forbearing Brahman who remained calm and composed in the face of extreme abuse.

Chapter 24. Comprehension of the Vedic texts varies in different yugas – creation of brahmanda, the fourteen lokas or spheres and their inhabitants – dissolution or withdrawal of the universe into the Lord – (sankya yoga).

In the 24th chapter the Lord instructs His dear devotee Uddhava, in the doctrine of Sankhya, realizing which a man bids fair to shed at once the delusion occasioned by false knowledge. In Krita Yuga, there was complete concordance between the understood meaning of and the words of the Vedas; people living in that age being prescient and wise understand the Vedas as they are.

Continue reading Chapter 24. Comprehension of the Vedic texts varies in different yugas – creation of brahmanda, the fourteen lokas or spheres and their inhabitants – dissolution or withdrawal of the universe into the Lord – (sankya yoga).

Chapter 25. The operation of the three gunas – their individual and combined effect on the jiva – how one can overcome such effects – while making most of the precious human body.

The 25th chapter is an exposition by the Lord to Uddhava, on how men are affected by the three gunas, individually as well as in conjunction with one another; and how one can get over the effects. The individual as well as the combined traits of sattva, rajas and tamo guna are enumerated.

Continue reading Chapter 25. The operation of the three gunas – their individual and combined effect on the jiva – how one can overcome such effects – while making most of the precious human body.

Chapter 26. Pitfalls of sadhaka (seeker) cultivating the company of unworthy men – story of King Pururava and his utterances on aversion for sense pleasures.

In the 26th chapter, the Lord instructs Uddhava on the pitfalls in the path of one who is still to overcome the false identification with the body. Such a seeker or sadhaka should on no account cultivate the fellowship of unworthy men given to the gratification of the palate and the sexual urge. If they do so, they will surely fall into the darkest region of perdition (andha tamas).

Continue reading Chapter 26. Pitfalls of sadhaka (seeker) cultivating the company of unworthy men – story of King Pururava and his utterances on aversion for sense pleasures.

Chapter 27. Course of discipline for the formal worship of the Supreme Lord – kriya yoga.

In the 27th chapter the Lord explains to Uddhava, (responding to his question about the same), the course of discipline consisting of formal worship of the Lord, called Kriya Yoga, intended to propitiate the Lord, in all its detail. Uddhava recalls that this course of discipline was originally imparted by the Lord, first to Brahma and thence to his sons Bhrigu and Lord Siva, and thence to Parvati and so on.

Continue reading Chapter 27. Course of discipline for the formal worship of the Supreme Lord – kriya yoga.

Chapter 28. Lucid exposition of the supreme sovereignty the Lord and the total dependence of the Jiva on the Lord. The nature of phenomenal world – which is real and a means of liberation, and which appears as independent due to the deluded mind.

The 28th chapter is a lucid exposition of the Supreme Sovereignty of the Lord, the total dependence of the jiva who experiences the transmigration being bound by the Gunas which are under the control of the Lord, and the manifested world.

Continue reading Chapter 28. Lucid exposition of the supreme sovereignty the Lord and the total dependence of the Jiva on the Lord. The nature of phenomenal world – which is real and a means of liberation, and which appears as independent due to the deluded mind.

Chapter 29. Concluding instructions to Uddhava; Uddhava proceeds to Badrikashhrama, attains to the Lord following instructions.

In the 29th chapter, the Lord concludes the instructions to Uddhava, which commenced in Chapter 7. Uddhava submits to the Lord that the yogic discipline recommended by the Lord is extremely difficult for one who has not been able to control the mind. Therefore he begs the Lord for explicit and simple instructions through which a man may easily attain perfection.

Continue reading Chapter 29. Concluding instructions to Uddhava; Uddhava proceeds to Badrikashhrama, attains to the Lord following instructions.