Srimad Bhagavata Skanda 2 – Shuka's Wisdom of Dharana in the Path of Divine Union
"The Lord Sriman Narayana is the very essence of divine virtues, self-sustained, radiant with light, overflowing with boundless knowledge and bliss. He is the ‘Creator of The Universe,’ which encompasses countless forms of Himself, both the living beings and the non-living things. He sustains, transforms, and governs it all — bestowing both ignorance and wisdom, binding beings to the cycle of birth and death, and offering liberation to those who seek moksha. Thus, He is the Param, the Supreme.
In the dawn of creation, He manifested the first being, the four-faced Brahma, and gifted him the knowledge required to bring the cosmos into being. Through His blessings, wisdom unfolds. Though He seeks no gain for Himself, He creates and upholds the cosmos for the welfare of all living beings, endowed with all the wisdom necessary for such a grand design. For He is neither a juggler, nor a deceiver, crafting illusions in this world. Untainted by any flaw, He is the Satyam — the absolute truth.
With reverence, let us meditate upon Lord Sriman Narayana, the embodiment of Satyam and Param."
"The Srimad Bhagavata encompasses the entirety of Dharma, safeguarding the soul from falling by purifying it, and guiding the individual soul towards the divine path leading to the Lord. This sacred path calls for unwavering devotion — a life dedicated to honoring, worshipping, admiring, and praising the Lord, free from jealousy, expectation, or deceit. As one treads upon this path, all obstacles dissolve, prosperity is bestowed, and the heart becomes imbued with virtue, turning one into a Sajjana, a virtuous soul. Above all, it fortifies bhakti, deepening one’s devotion.
Thus, the Srimad Bhagavata, composed by the Lord in the form of sage Veda Vyasa shines as a beacon of truth, revealing Himself as Supreme Soul eternally resides in the heart of every living being."
"Salutations to Lord Sriman Narayana, the eternal support of all, including the divine Goddess Lakshmi, and the very essence of the Srimad Bhagavata. Salutations to Lord Veda Vyasa, the revered composer of this sacred scripture. Salutations to Devi, the Goddess of Fortune, who perpetually serves the Lord and bestows the blessings of abundance upon all Bhagavatas, enriching them with the divine knowledge of Srimad Bhagavata — a wealth that encompasses Jnana, Bhakti, and Vairagya.
Salutations to the Gods Brahma and Vayu, the noblest of beings. Salutations to Sarasvati, the Goddess of Knowledge and Devotion, who inspires both wisdom and bhakti. Salutations to the divine Garuda, Sesha and Shiva, the greatest among the Vaishnavas.
Salutations to the Srimad Bhagavata, the sacred text that brings forth eternal victory and spiritual triumph."
The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.
Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghavendra, I worship you by surrendering myself.
As the fragrance of devotion lingered in the air, Parikshit, moved by Shukacharya’s flowers of speech, sat in silent awe—his heart stirred, his breath hushed. The power of Śravaṇam, Kīrtanam, and Smaraṇam had been revealed like rivers of nectar flowing through his soul. But with time slipping away and death drawing near, his face was full of insatiable hunger for transcendence. Sensing this silent cry for liberation, Sri Shukacharya vowed to narrate the Srimad Bhagavata in its entirety—a scripture so potent, it purifies thought, fills the heart with divine love, and leads the soul beyond the material world to the bliss of eternal liberation.
Shukacharya proclaimed: “O noble King Parikṣhit! This divine and timeless scripture, Srimad Bhagavata, mirrors the sanctity and profundity of the Vedas themselves. At the threshold of Dvapara Yuga, I received its sacred essence from my revered father, Dwaipayana Kṛishna —Bhagavan Vedavyasa. Through his boundless compassion, the eternal truth was poured into my heart.”
परिनिष्ठितोऽपि नैर्गुण्य उत्तमश्लोकलीलया ।
गृहीतचेता राजर्षे आख्यानं यदधीतवान् ॥ ९॥
Sri Shukacharya, with eyes filled with divine wisdom and a heart drenched in devotion, addresses King Parakshit with profound sincerity:
“O exalted King! My heart is wholly immersed in unwavering devotion to the Supreme Lord—He who transcends the triad of guṇas: Sattva (serenity), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (inertia). My soul is irresistibly drawn to the tales of Sri Krishna’s divine sports—each Leela a wellspring of nectar and bliss. As proclaimed in sacred Slokas, He is supremely illustrious and ever virtuous. Enchanted by this nectar of transcendental narration, I embraced the study of Srimad Bhagavata—its sublime wisdom and the fragrant essence of the Lord’s pastimes captivating my innermost being.”
तदहं तेऽभिधास्यामि महापौरुषिको भवान् ।यस्य श्रद्दधतामाशु स्यान्मुकुन्दे मतिः सती ॥ १०॥
With deep compassion, Sri Shukacharya then assured King Parakshit:
“O King! Since you are a great devotee of the Lord, I shall now narrate Srimad Bhagavata to you in its entirety. Know this: Those who listen to or study this sacred scripture with full faith and unwavering attention will have their thoughts purified and their hearts filled with divine love towards the lotus feet of Lord Mukunda. The divine wisdom of the Bhagavata will awaken devotion in their hearts, leading them to transcend the material world and experience the bliss of eternal liberation.”
योगिनां नृप निर्णीतं हरेर्नामानुकीर्तनम् ॥ ११॥
Then, with great compassion for all beings, Sri Shukacharya speaks of the universal relevance of the Srimad Bhagavata:
“O sovereign King! This divine scripture is a sanctuary for all:
- For those who seek earthly prosperity or heavenly joys.
- For those who have turned away from worldly pleasures, weary of the ceaseless birth and death.
- For the Jnana Yogis, striving for mokṣa, the final liberation from the clutches of Samsara.
Let them all find refuge in the Srimad Bhagavata—for it is no less than the ceaseless Japa of the Lord’s sacred names, bestowing success, auspiciousness, and eternal bliss."
वरं मुहूर्तं विदितं घटते श्रेयसे यतः ॥ १२॥
With a solemn and piercing gaze, Sri Shukacharya then imparts a profound truth:
“O King! For those who are unaware of long-term success and spiritual fortune, what is the use of a prolonged life filled with material pursuits? What is the value of a life spent in pursuit of fleeting pleasures, when it only accumulates sorrow and grief, maybe with a momentary glimpse of happiness?
Hence, better is even a single moment spent in full spiritual consciousness, than a lifetime wasted in ignorance and worldly entanglements. For even one moment of divine realization leads to the everlasting fortune of moksha— the ultimate freedom from birth and death, and the eternal communion with the Lord in His divine presence (Vaikuntha), forever in loving service."With eyes glistening with compassion, Sri Shukacharya says:
“O King Parakshit! Listen with rapt attention to this supreme wisdom in Srimad Bhagavatha, for through it, you shall be liberated and attain the eternal abode of Lord Sri Krishna, where divine bliss flows eternally, beyond the touch of sorrow, time, and death.”
खट्वाङ्गो नाम राजर्षिर्ज्ञात्वेयत्तामिहायुषः ।
मुहूर्तात्सर्वमुत्सृज्य गतवानभयं हरिम् ॥१३॥
तवाप्येतर्हि कौरव्य सप्ताहं जीवितावधिः ।
उपकल्पय तत्सर्वं तावद्यत्साम्परायिकम् ॥१४॥
Sri Shukacharya, continuing the discourse, spoke to Parakshit with wisdom and compassion.
"Parakshit, once there was a noble ascetic king named Khatvanga, who, in the final fleeting moments of his life, renounced all ties to the material world. With unwavering devotion, he surrendered himself to Lord Sri Hari, seeking only the boon of fearlessness under His divine protection. Yet you, Parakshit, are blessed with seven more days of life. Use this precious time wisely. Follow my counsel and the path I reveal, and you shall ascend to the higher realms of heaven. Did you not inquire what one should do with full awareness when death stands near?"
अन्तकाले तु पुरुष आगते गतसाध्वसः ।
छिन्द्यादसङ्गशस्त्रेण स्पृहां देहेऽनु ये च तम् ॥ १५॥
गृहात्प्रव्रजितो धीरः पुण्यतीर्थजलाप्लुतः ।
शुचौ विविक्त आसीनो विधिवत्कल्पितासने ॥ १६॥
And so, Sri Shukacharya continued:
In the last hours of life, one must neither tremble in fear nor despair in sorrow. Instead, with resolute detachment, sever all worldly ties—even the attachment to one's own body. The individual soul is not the body, nor is the soul all alone. The Supreme Lord, ever distinct yet always present within, lovingly accompanies the soul through all states of existence. Let your heart and mind be absorbed in that eternal companion, the Paramatma.
With courage, renounce the comforts of home and seek a sacred pilgrimage site. There, purify yourself with a holy bath and find a quiet, clean place. Leave behind the entanglements of the material world. Sit in the prescribed yogic posture, steady the gaze, and calm the breath. With single-minded focus, enter deep meditation. This state of clarity and renunciation qualifies the seeker for the inner essence of a sannyasi—not by robes, but by realization.
अभ्यसेन्मनसा शुद्धं त्रिवृद्ब्रह्माक्षरं परम् ।
मनो यच्छेज्जितश्वासो ब्रह्मबीजमविस्मरन् ॥ १७॥
Let the sacred sound of OM resound within—the primordial syllable whose three components, A, U, and Ma, signify the all-pervading Lord in His fullness. This is not a formless abstraction, but the living, luminous presence of the Supreme who sustains, governs, and liberates. As the breath flows inward, so too must the awareness turn inward restraining the wavering mind and guiding the life-force to its source.
Let the holy name of the Lord arise—not merely from the lips, but from the heart—unbroken, pure, and filled with devotion. In that sacred repetition, the path to the Lord's eternal abode opens, and the soul journeys home—not dissolved, but received.
This is consistent with what Sri Krishna told Arjuna in Bhagvad Gita, Chapter 8, verse 13 & 14)ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन् ।
य: प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स याति परमां गतिम् ॥ १३॥
O Partha! He who, at the time of leaving the body, maintains unbroken spiritual awareness, focuses on the breath, chants the single syllable Om—symbolizing the Supreme Brahman—and remembers Me with unwavering devotion, attains the highest spiritual destination.
अनन्यचेता: सततं यो मां स्मरति नित्यश: ।
तस्याहं सुलभ: पार्थ नित्ययुक्तस्य योगिन: ॥ १४॥
नियच्छेद्विषयेभ्योऽक्षान् मनसा बुद्धिसारथिः ।
मनः कर्मभिराक्षिप्तं शुभार्थे धारयेद्धिया ॥ १८॥
With solemn grace, Sri Shukacharya added, “Withdraw your senses from the fleeting temptations of the material world with purified thoughts. The mind, naturally restless and indecisive, will resist—wavering between impulse and doubt. This wavering is not merely of the present moment, but arises from the deep undercurrents of the subconscious, shaped by countless impressions and karmic tendencies formed over many births. The conscious mind, influenced by these latent samskaras, often strays and is drawn into distraction. Yet the Buddhi (intellect), endowed with discernment and judgment, serves as the charioteer of the self. Like a skilled driver guiding a chariot, it must hold firm the reins of thought and control the wild horses of the senses.
Through steadfast practice, lead the mind into Amanibhava—a state of profound stillness where external distractions lose their grip. In this tranquil state, the mind remains steady, like a flame undisturbed by the wind. Let your awareness rest upon the holy names, divine forms, sacred virtues, and the wondrous Leelas of the Supreme Lord, the eternal truth beyond all dualities.
तत्रैकावयवं ध्यायेदव्युच्छिन्नेन चेतसा ।
मनो निर्विषयं युक्त्वा ततः किञ्चन न स्मरेत् ।
पदं तत्परमं विष्णोर्मनो यत्र प्रसीदति ॥ १९॥
Sri Shukacharya then revealed the sacred practice,
"The God-realized must meditate upon the divine limbs of the Lord, one by one. First, let the vision of a single divine part fill your mind, then gently extend your focus to the other limbs until you behold the entire divine form. With this practice, the mind will loosen its grip on worldly matters and remain absorbed in the Lord’s presence. This is the supreme gift of yoga—the highest grace bestowed upon a devotee by the Lord Himself. To dwell in such meditation is to taste the nectar of spiritual bliss, free from sorrow and strife."
रजस्तमोभ्यामाक्षिप्तं विमूढं मन आत्मनः ।
यच्छेद्धारणया धीरो हन्ति या तत्कृतं मलम् ॥ २०॥
Finally, with fatherly wisdom, Sri Shukacharya consoled,
"And should the mind falter, swayed by the restless energy of Rajo guna or clouded by the dullness of Thamo guna, do not despair. Let not fear or doubt disturb you. With firm resolve, bring the mind back to the holy names, forms, and sacred leelas of the Lord. Gradually, the impurities that veil your true nature—the illusions of ego and ignorance—will fall away. The mind will grow clear and luminous, effortlessly drawn to thoughts of the Divine."
आशु सम्पद्यते योग आश्रयं भद्रमीक्षतः ॥ २१॥
Concluding his teaching, Sri Shukacharya said,
"By holding the divine names, forms, and sacred leelas in constant Dharana—the steady contemplation of yogic practice—the heart will naturally slip into deep, undisturbed meditation. Thus, you will attain Siddhi, the perfection of Bhakti Yoga, and dwell eternally in the loving refuge of the most auspicious Lord."
राजोवाच
यथा सन्धार्यते ब्रह्मन् धारणा ब्रह्मन् यत्र सम्मता ।
यादृशी वा हरेदाशु पुरुषस्य मनोमलम् ॥ २२॥
With folded hands and a heart full of humility, Parakshit bowed before Sri Shukacharya and asked,
And so, begins the sacred dialogue—King Parakshit, gripped by the urgency of impending death, turns to Sri Shukacharya in search of life’s ultimate truth. With divine insight, the sage prepares to speak. The wisdom that unfolds is not meant for a dying monarch alone—but for every soul that walks the path of life.
As this timeless discourse echoes, we also turn to the words of Kanaka Dasa (1509–1609), a saint-poet of Karnataka and a radiant voice of the Haridasa movement. Once a warrior, he renounced arms and surrendered himself wholly to Lord Krishna, embracing Bhakti with unwavering devotion. Born into the Halumatha Kuruba (shepherd) community, Kanaka Dasa became a devoted disciple of Sri Vyasatirtha and attained Aproksha Jnana—direct experiential knowledge of the self. Through simple yet soul-stirring Kannada, he conveyed profound spiritual truths to all.
Below is the lyrics and possible translation:
The life within this body is but a puppet on strings;
In time, the body must fall—for death spares none.
Suttu suttu sunna dharalu aiyithu ee dheha..
Hotte balu kettadhendhu, eshtu kashta madidharu,
bittu hoguvaga genu batte kanadho...!
Born with nothing, and with nothing shall we go;
The body, like lime baked in fire, bears the weight of effort and woe.
For hunger’s sake we toil and strive,
Yet when we depart, not even a scrap of cloth will come along.
Anna thamma thaayi thandhe bayasalagadho..
Anna vasthra bogakagi, thanna sukava kanalilla,
Mannu paalu aadha mela yaarigagudho...?
He cherished not his wife, his kin, nor the wealth he earned;
Nor shared joy with brother, sister, mother, or father in turn.
For food and cloth he toiled, yet never tasted his own delight;
But once laid in the earth, what use is all that he held so tight?
arthakagi aase pattu nyaya maduvaro..
Bitti belasu thanadhendhu vyartha chintheyannu madi,
sathu hodhamela artha yarigagudho...?
Though one earns in lakhs, still desires burn bright:
Craving what others have, one feels right.
Sowing and reaping rich harvests with anxious care
But after death—who will own the share?
Challa pilla gombeyanthae aagihodhane...
halla haridhu hoguvaga, gullae bandhu odeyuvanthe,
gullae poreyanthe kano samsaradha aata...!
Adorned with silver and gold, draped in fine garments,
Pampered like a delicate doll...
But when the lake waters rise, a bubble forms and bursts —
So too is this worldly life, fragile as a bubble, vanishing in an instant.
vasthu prana nayakanu, hyange dhorakuvanu..?
Karthru kaagi nelayadhi keshavana sharana kamala,
Nithyadhali bhajisi, sukhiyagi balelo...!
But how can one attain the Lord of all beings in this life?
Surrender to the lotus feet of Keshava, the true doer of all;
Worship Him daily, and live joyfully in His grace.
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