SB 01.02.18 nasta-prayesv abhadresu... cited

Lecture on BG 4.12 -- Bombay, April 1, 1974:

SB 5.18.11, Purport:

After one's mind becomes cleansed by chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, one gradually comes to the platform of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and then reads books like Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta and The Nectar of Devotion. In this way, one becomes more and more purified of material contamination. As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.18):

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

"By regularly hearing the Bhāgavatam and rendering service unto the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is practically destroyed, and loving service unto the glorious Lord, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact." In this way, simply by hearing of the powerful activities of the Lord, the devotee's heart becomes almost completely cleansed of material contamination, and thus his original position as an eternal servant who is part and parcel of the Lord becomes manifest.

SB Canto 9

SB 9.18.2, Purport:

It is specifically mentioned here that if one enters political life, especially in the modern day, one looses the chance for human perfection. Nonetheless, one can attain the highest perfection if one hears Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. This hearing is described as nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Mahārāja Parīkṣit was involved in politics, but because at the end of his life he heard Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from Śukadeva Gosvāmī, he attained perfection very easily. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has therefore suggested:

sthāne sthitāḥ śruti-gatāṁ tanu-vāṅ-manobhir

ye prāyaśo 'jita jito 'py asi tais tri-lokyām

(SB 10.14.3)

SB Canto 10.1 to 10.13

SB 10.13.53, Purport:

We should gradually come to the sattva-guṇa, so that we may avoid the two lower guṇas. This can be done if we regularly discuss Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and hear about Kṛṣṇa's activities. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). All the activities of Kṛṣṇa described in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, beginning even with the pastimes concerning Pūtanā, are transcendental. Therefore, by hearing and discussing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa are subdued, so that only sattva-guṇa remains. Then rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa cannot do us any harm.

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta

CC Adi-lila

CC Adi 8.20, Purport:

Tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye: "By associating with the two lower qualities of material nature, one becomes lusty and greedy." (SB 1.2.19) Actually, in modern human society, everyone is greedy and lusty, and therefore the only means for deliverance is Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's saṅkīrtana movement, which can promote all the Jagāis and Mādhāis to the topmost position of sattva-guṇa, or brahminical culture.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.18–19) states:

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye

ceta etair anāviddhaṁ sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati

Considering the chaotic condition of human society, if one actually wants peace and tranquillity, one must take to the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement and engage always in bhāgavata-dharma. Engagement in bhāgavata-dharma dissipates all ignorance and passion, and when ignorance and passion are dissipated one is freed from greed and lust. When freed from greed and lust, one becomes brahminically qualified, and when a brahminically qualified person makes further advancement, he becomes situated on the Vaiṣṇava platform. It is only on this Vaiṣṇava platform that it is possible to awaken one's dormant love of Godhead, and as soon as one does so, his life is successful.

CC Antya-lila

CC Antya 5.131, Purport:

. By such hearing, one becomes pious: hṛdy antaḥ-stho hy abhadrāṇi vidhunoti suhṛt satām. As one thus hears the Bhāgavatam regularly and sincerely, his heart is purified of all material contamination:

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

"By regularly hearing the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact." (SB 1.2.18)

This is the proper process, but people are accustomed to being misled by professional Bhāgavatam reciters.

Lectures

Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures

Because there are different types of yoga practices. Out of that, bhakti-yoga is the topmost. Because Kṛṣṇa says, bhaktyā mām abhijānāti yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ (BG 18.55). Without being in the bhakti-yoga, neither you can be happy, nor you can understand what is Kṛṣṇa and what is your relationship with Kṛṣṇa. Evaṁ prasanna-manaso bhagavad-bhakti-yogataḥ (SB 1.2.20). If you want to be happy, then bhagavad-bhakti-yogataḥ, it can be possible. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. That is stated, naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18).

This class is held for the benefit of the human society. And this is the process of nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). If you regularly hear about Kṛṣṇa.... Why regularly? Constantly. If we practice in such a way that we shall hear about Kṛṣṇa, talk about Kṛṣṇa, chant about Kṛṣṇa, eat about Kṛṣṇa, work about Kṛṣṇa, sleep about Kṛṣṇa, walk about Kṛṣṇa, that is Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.

In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam this process of understanding Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Absolute Truth, is described in the Second Chapter of First Canto as follows:

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ-stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt satām

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ

kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye

ceta etair anāviddhaṁ

sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati

evaṁ prasanna-manaso

bhagavad-bhakti-yogataḥ

bhagavat-tattva-vijñānaṁ

mukta-saṅgasya jāyate

(SB 1.2.20)

bhidyate hṛdaya-granthiś

chidyante sarva-saṁśayāḥ

kṣīyante cāsya karmāṇi

dṛṣṭa evātmanīśvare

Just like one becomes purer by acting piously. So simply hearing, if one cannot understand the whole thing, he becomes pious. Puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). One who is speaking Kṛṣṇa's words, and one who is hearing Kṛṣṇa's..., both of them are becoming purified.

So if we hear daily, regularly, nityam, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, then... Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). If you hear daily... Just like we are holding class daily in the morning. And bhāgavata-sevayā. Sevayā means service.

To make the place nicely cleansed so that devotees will sit down and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā will be discussed, this is called bhāgavata-sevā, serving the Bhāgavata. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā... Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu. The whole difficulty is that our heart is covered with so many dirty things. So by this process, this bhāgavata-sevayā, the dirty things will be cleansed. Not that exactly all cleansed. Even a little portion is cleansed, naṣṭa-prāyeṣu, not fully cleansed, prāyeṣu, almost, then immediately, bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī (SB 1.2.18), immediately you come to the platform of bhakti-yoga. Little cleansed. Svalpam apy asya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt. Not that... Therefore, we sometimes see that one who has taken to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, still, he is committing something wrong.

Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. Prāyeṣu means almost cleansed, not completely clean. So we don't claim that we have become liberated from all dirty things. There are so many dirty things still. But little clearance will help us to become a devotee of the Lord.

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Naiṣṭhikī. This is the stage of attachment to Kṛṣṇa. Mayy āsakta-manāḥ. There are different stages. So this niṣṭhā, firm faith. First of all, loose faith.

Then, as we execute devotional service, the faith becomes firmer, firmer, firmer. And when it comes to firm, "Yes, Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, I am His eternal servant," this is firm faith. Without any deviation. Bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī.

tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ

kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye

ceta etair anāviddhaṁ

sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati

Lecture on BG 13.4 -- Miami, February 27, 1975:

Hṛdy an... This I am thinking, "American, Indian, Hindu, Muslim," this is all dirty things in my heart. You cleanse your heart. Hṛdy antaḥ-sthaḥ abhadrāṇi. The dirty things are within my heart, so if we cleanse our heart, then we become free from this designation. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu. These dirty things will be cleansed if we regularly hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam or Bhagavad-gītā. Nityaṁ bhāgavata...

Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures

Lecture on SB 1.1.1 -- New York, July 6, 1972:

So you European, American students, you take full advantage of this Vedic culture. I am therefore so much laboring hard that we, before my leaving this body, I may give you some books who you can enjoy after my death. So utilize it. Utilize it. Read every śloka nicely, try to understand the meaning, discuss amongst yourselves. Nityaṁ bhagavata-sevayā. That is our mission. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhagavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Abhadra, we have got so many dirty things within our heart.

Lecture on SB 1.1.1 -- New York, July 6, 1972:

So these dirty things can be cleansed simply by Kṛṣṇa consciousness. There is no other method.

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇa

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt satām

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Lecture on SB 1.1.1 -- New York, July 6, 1972:

This is the process. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa is within your heart. Kṛṣṇa is trying to help you from within and from without. From without, He is presenting His form in this temple. You can take the advantage of serving Him.

Kṛṣṇa is so kind. He wants that you are all suffering in this material existence, Kṛṣṇa comes as He is, and He canvasses, sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja (BG 18.66). So bhāgavata-sevayā, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18), cleansing the heart. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12). This is the process. We are part and parcel of God, Kṛṣṇa, so we are pure, we have become impure on account of material contamination. So we have to purify ourselves and the process is to hear about Kṛṣṇa. That's all.

Lecture on SB 1.2.12 -- Vrndavana, October 23, 1972:

The first step is that you must associate with devotees and then take to bhajana-kriyā. Then see, examine yourself that whether you are free from all the anarthas, all the unwanted things. If all the unwanted things are vanquished, then you'll have firm faith. Bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu... Naṣṭa (SB 1.2.18). Not that I am completely free from all sinful activities, but prāyeṣu, say, fifty percent, sixty percent is gone. At that time, naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu... How it has come to take place? Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Nityam... We have to daily. Not that Bhāgavata-saptāha, and finish, and whole year you can do all nonsense. Not like that. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.

Lecture on SB 1.2.12 -- Vrndavana, October 23, 1972:

I don't find any Bhāgavata-saptāha any authorized book. I don't find. There are so many big, big stalwart commentators of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, beginning from Śrīdhara Svāmī. Nobody has recommended this Bhāgavata-saptāha. But it has come to existence by the professional man. But actually nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. How you can finish Bhāgavatam in seven days? You cannot finish even one word. My Guru Mahārāja explained Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the first verse, janmādy asya yataḥ (SB 1.1.1), in Dacca, for three months.

Lecture on SB 1.2.12 -- Vrndavana, October 23, 1972:

Actually, it is so profound. Janmādy asya yataḥ. This very quote contains all the Vedānta philosophy. How you can finish Bhāgavatam within seven days? It is a farce. Actually, Bhāgavata should be relished. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

As soon as prāya, seventy-five, sixty percent of your unwanted things are given up, and then your naiṣṭhikī, firm, steady devotional attitude develops. Bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī.

tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ

kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye

ceta etair anāviddhaṁ

sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati

Lecture on SB 1.2.17 -- San Francisco, March 25, 1967:

The signs of freedom...

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt-satām

Lecture on SB 1.2.17 -- San Francisco, March 25, 1967:

Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18), bhaktir bhavati, bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī, bhavati naiṣṭhikī. Now, as soon as, not cent percent clearance... It is not possible to clear our, I mean to say, rubbish things within our mind all of a sudden or very soon, all things. Even some percentage of the rubbish are cleared off, then at once it happens that our, the influence of the material nature becomes slackened.

Then he'll understand what is happiness. So you'll be promoted to that stage of life, goodness.

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt-satām

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972:

Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityam, daily, as a routine, routine work, if you hear this kṛṣṇa-kathā, then the result will be that naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu, when all this accumulation of dirty things in our heart accumulated for life after life, they'll be cleared off. And as matter of evidence you'll see that you are not no more in ignorance and in passion, but you are situated in the modes of goodness.

Pradyumna: (leads chanting, etc.)

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972:

Translation: "By regularly hearing the Bhāgavatam and rendering service unto the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is practically destroyed, and loving service unto the glorious Lord, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact."

Prabhupāda: So here it is said bhāgavata-sevayā, not bhagavān-sevayā. Bhagavān is Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and bhāgavata means in relation with Bhagavān, who has got relationship with Bhagavān. So here it is recommended bhāgavata-sevayā, not bhagavān-sevayā. The idea is that you cannot approach Bhagavān, God, directly. That is not possible. First of all, you have to serve bhāgavata, the devotee bhāgavata.

The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā, the spiritual master, tulasī-devī, the temple, the preaching, the books—these are all bhāgavata. So nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu. If we engage ourself in this bhāgavata-sevayā... Just like we are doing daily, trying to read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, discussing amongst ourselves. This is bhāgavata-sevayā. Nityam, daily, regularly. By this process, when the dirty things within the heart, naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18).

Abhadra means dirty things, inauspicious things. What is that inauspicious thing? Inauspicious things means the heart disease for sense enjoyment; this is inauspicious, Different varieties, abhadreṣu. There are three modes of material nature.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972:

Simply you mix three colors in different way, and it becomes varieties of color. So our heart disease, dirty thing, varieties of sense enjoyment, varieties. So heart is full with varieties of sense enjoyment. Therefore by nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18), by daily, regular worshiping Bhāgavatam, we become free from the dirty things.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972:

. Such kind of separation, when we feel for Kṛṣṇa, that means all dirty things are over. And something for Kṛṣṇa, something for sense enjoyment, that means still the dirty things are there. But the more we engage our time, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, the dirty things becomes cleansed, gradually. Just like when you are hungry, you are given foodstuff, you eat. The more you eat, your hunger is satisfied. You feel strength, you feel satisfaction.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972:

Similarly, the more you advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, you feel comfortable, released from the material discomforts. In this way, naṣṭa-prāyeṣu. Gradual process.

So naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Not all cleansed, but prāya, say, seventy-five cleansed. At that time, you become fixed-up in devotional service, naiṣṭhikī. There are different stages of devotional service.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972:

That I have explained several times. First of all, śraddhā, sādhu-saṅga, bhajana-kriyā, anartha-nivṛttiḥ syāt. When anartha-nivṛttiḥ syāt, all unwanted things are finished, at that time, niṣṭhā, firm faith. So bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. So, so long there are dirty things, our faith and devotion in Kṛṣṇa is not very fixed up, sometimes we deviate, we go away. But then naṣṭa-prāyeṣu, when seventy-five percent of the dirty things are cleansed, then our faith in God becomes fixed up. Bhagavaty uttama-śloke.

Uttama, uttama means udgata-tama. This material world is tama, ignorance, darkness. And Kṛṣṇa is beyond this material world; therefore He is called para. Para means transcendental.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972:

Simply disturbance, creating disturbance." We cannot manufacture. Sometimes we are questioned, "Can we do this? Can we do that?" Of course, it is good. But there is no need of manufacturing some idea. Whatever idea is already there, follow strictly.

So bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. That fixed up bhakti is required, not oscillating: sometimes this side, sometimes that side. So this can be possible, fixed up devotional service, by nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18), regularly worshiping the bhāgavata-grantha and the devotee bhāgavata. Because without hearing about God authentically, how we can fix up? So we should hear, śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ. Sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ (SB 1.2.17). Kṛṣṇa's word is given by Kṛṣṇa.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972:

Namo mahā-vadānyāya kṛṣṇa-prema-pradāya te (CC Madhya 19.53). "You are distributing love of Kṛṣṇa." How it is possible for ordinary man? "But Kṛṣṇa, because You are Kṛṣṇa, simply You are in the name of Kṛṣṇa Caitanya. So therefore You can distribute. Your thing, You can distribute."

So,

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt satām

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972:

Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu. A little, maybe; not all. There may be some habitual... But still, even there are some flaws in the beginning, if we fix up our devotion to Kṛṣṇa... That is also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā:

api cet su-durācāro

bhajate mām ananya-bhāk

sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ

samyag vyavasito hi saḥ

(BG 9.30)

And as soon as we think of sense gratification, immediately we are on the dark side. So our... We should be very cautious that we may not fall down on the dark side. We can keep ourself in the light side by nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Simply studying Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā, try to understand, chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Twenty-four hours be engaged in this way. You'll be on the light side.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Vrndavana, October 29, 1972:

Pradyumna: (leads chanting, etc.)

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Vrndavana, October 29, 1972:

Translation: "By regularly hearing the Bhāgavata and rendering service unto the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is practically destroyed, and loving service unto the glorious Lord, who is praised with transcendental songs, is described established as an irrevocable fact."

Prabhupāda: Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. Abhadra. We have discussed yesterday, abhadrāṇi: all dirty things. This material life means dirty life. People do not understand it. They think by nice dress and nice apartment and nicely washed body, that is civilization. They do not know what is the dirty things which has attacked him. What is the contamination, that he does not know. Lokasya ajānataḥ. It is said that the fools, rascals, they do not know it.

Avaiṣṇava. Those who are not following the principles of Vaiṣṇava behavior, professional. There are some professional reciters. That is forbidden. Don't hear from them. Now here it is said, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). It is not said saptāhaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Where this saptāha comes, I do not know. Is Bhāgavata such a thing that by hearing one saptāha he'll understand everything? He cannot understand one word by reading Bhāgavata-saptāha, what to speak of eighteen thousand verses.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Vrndavana, October 29, 1972:

The whole Vedic knowledge is there. Nigma-kalpa-taror galitaṁ phalam idam. What you'll understand? This is profession.

The real prescription is given here: nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Every day or every moment, you should remember Bhāgavatam. Then naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu, the dirty things which are within our heart, that is the...

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Vrndavana, October 29, 1972:

Therefore it is said, naṣṭa-prāyeṣu. Not that completely one becomes perfect. Even prāyeṣu, almost perfect, still, almost, not that completely, abhadreṣu, he has, he's trying to give up all bad habits, unwanted things. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. How it is possible? Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Not saptāhaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, officially. This is karma-kāṇḍīya. "I sit down for one saptāha in a year, and then 357 days I do all nonsense." No. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. One has to serve bhāgavata.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Vrndavana, October 29, 1972:

This is the process. So nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18). Not even completely. Because you cannot approach Kṛṣṇa in sinful life. Those who are thinking that "We are living in Vṛndāvana, and I can do all sinful activities because I am living in Vṛndāvana. Vṛndāvana-rāja will cure me, will purify me." That's a fact. Yes. But if you go on indulging in such sinful activities, then you'll have to live in Vṛndāvana in like the hogs and monkeys.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Vrndavana, October 29, 1972:

So it is not that we shall purposefully remain impure and approach Kṛṣṇa, but the process is that if you regularly hear about Kṛṣṇa and serve Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, or a devotee, then gradually your contaminated things being washed off, bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī (SB 1.2.18). The result will be bhagavati, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is glorified by uttama-śloka, by transcendental prayers...

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Vrndavana, October 29, 1972:

So this is the upāya. If we actually serious to get out of these material clutches, then we should hear regularly about Kṛṣṇa from a pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Then bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī, then your firm steady, steadiness in devotional service will be fixed up. Bhakti... Naiṣṭhikī. Naiṣṭhikī means nobody can, I mean, push out of it.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Vrndavana, October 29, 1972:

That is naiṣṭhikī, niṣṭhā, firm faith, dṛḍha-vrata. In ordinary case, in neophyte state, if somebody says that "Why you are...?" You'll be surprised. This girl, Śrī Sarasv..., Sarasvatī... Some boy said, "Oh, why you are chanting? This is not very good." He, she gave her (him) a slap. Just see. Naiṣṭhikī. How firmly she is fixed up, although she is a small child. Bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. Nobody can deviate him (her). A pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa cannot be deviated. You cannot cheat him. No. He'll give you a slap. Naiṣṭhik..., bhavati, bhavati naiṣṭhikī.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Calcutta, September 26, 1974:

Bhāgavata: "By regularly hearing the Bhāgavatam and rendering service unto the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is practically destroyed, and loving service unto the glorious Lord, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact."

Prabhupāda:

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā...

(sound of small children)

Bhāgavata: Go! Celo.

Prabhupāda: Hm.

...nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Calcutta, September 26, 1974:

Abhadrāṇi, all dirty things, they are accumulating. So by hearing about Kṛṣṇa... Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). You have to hear... Not that Bhāgavata-saptāha. I don't find this Bhāgavata-saptāha in anywhere in the Bhagavad, Bhāgavata. But they have invented some means for professional reading. Nei. In the Bhāgavata it is said..., not said, saptāha bhāgavata-sevayā. Why it is said, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā? You have to hear Bhāgavatam daily, regularly. That is the injunction of Bhāgavatam. You have to hear from, not from the professional men, professional reciters. Bhāgavata-saptāha, and then, after one saptāha, you do your all nonsense things and he takes some money for livelihood, for maintaining his wife and children.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Calcutta, September 26, 1974:

So here it is said... And who will recite Bhāgavatam daily unless he has dedicated his life for Bhagavān? He's bhāgavata. Grantha-bhāgavata, and the person bhāgavata. Bhāgavata. Mahā-bhāgavata. A person, a devotee is called bhāgavata. And the grantha-bhāgavata. So we have to serve both. We have to hear daily Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from the realized person. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). The guru, the devotee, they are bhāgavata. So we have to serve, we have to please them. That is also said in the Bhagavad-gītā. Tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā (BG 4.34). If you want to learn the transcendental subject matter, then you must adopt three things. Tad viddhi... First of all surrender. Find out that kind of person where you can surrender. If there is no surrender, it is not possible.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Calcutta, September 26, 1974:

And that is not possible. Gradually. Gradually, you go on hearing, hearing, śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ (SB 1.2.17). Gradually, all the dirty things will be cleansed. So naṣṭa-prāyeṣu, almost clean. Not purely, not completely clean. Even it is almost clean... Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. How it is cleansed? Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). You serve your spiritual master, the representative of Bhagavān, bhāgavata, and you hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam—these are the two kind of Bhāgavatam—and you do it. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāye... Almost, almost cle... Then what is that? Bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. The result will be that you'll be fixed up in the devotional service.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Calcutta, September 26, 1974:

These prayers are composed by not ordinary rascal poet. They are composed by very, very stalwart, great personalities like Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and others, Sūta Gosvāmī, Śukadeva Gosvāmī, Vyāsadeva. Therefore they are called uttama-śloka, selected poetry. Therefore Bhagavān's another name is Uttama-śloka. He is offered prayers by the great personalities with selected composition of poetry and prayers. So bhagavaty uttama-śloke.

If actually we follow these regulative principles, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18), then gradually our heart will be cleansed. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12). Caitanya Mahāprabhu said. The process is to cleanse the dirty heart. Actually, we are clean. Asaṅgo 'yaṁ puruṣaḥ. We have no business to be contaminated with the material qualities.

Lecture on SB 1.2.18 -- Calcutta, September 26, 1974:

If we are involved or implicated in sinful activities, there is no chance. Therefore anartha-nivṛttiḥ syāt. By sādhu-saṅga (CC Madhya 22.83), by association with the sādhus, bhaktas, and by bhajana-kriyā, we'll be seen, a person will be seen that he's no more involved in unwanted things. He's simply interested in executing devotional service. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī (SB 1.2.18). When we are almost free from all this contamination, then we become fixed up in the devotional service. That is...

Lecture on SB 1.2.19 -- Los Angeles, August 22, 1972:

Simply by this process, śravaṇaṁ kīrtanam (SB 7.5.23), hearing about Kṛṣṇa. This is, we were discussing. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu, simply by hearing. Abhadreṣu, naṣṭa-prāyeṣu, all the dirty things within heart, being almost cleansed, you come to the stage of goodness. There are three stages, three platforms-ignorance, passion and goodness. So simply by hearing about Kṛṣṇa, you are promoted immediately to the platform of goodness.

Lecture on SB 1.2.19 -- Los Angeles, August 22, 1972:

So therefore by this process,

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt satām

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā...

Lecture on SB 1.2.19 -- Vrndavana, October 30, 1972:

This is the process. Nityam, daily. Or twenty-four hours. By studying Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam or associating with devotees, bhāgavata-sevayā... Bhakti, bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. Then the Supreme Personality of Godhead, bhagavaty uttama-śloke, bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī, devotional service becomes strong and fixed up. Simply by this process, hearing. There is no necessity of education or Ph.D. degree. Simply God has given you these ears and you hear, śṛṇvatām. Hear about Kṛṣṇa from realized soul.

So naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityam. This point we have discussed. The Bhāgavata has to be studied from a person bhāgavata. Bhāgavata-sevayā. Tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā (BG 4.34). One has to learn Bhāgavatam from a person you can surrender. Praṇipātena. Paripraśnena sevayā. Two things. There must be service and surrender.

Lecture on SB 1.2.19 -- Vrndavana, October 30, 1972:

Abhigacchet is vidhilin form of verb. Means "he must." There is no other alternative. So therefore Arjuna submitted. And he was also enlightened. So simply by hearing from the authoritative sources, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, as it is described. But we don't find anywhere: saptāhaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. No. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.

So nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. Abhadra. Abhadra means the quality of ignorance and passion. They are abominable. Ignorance is most abominable, abominable, and passion is abominable. These two things must be given up. But simply by hearing about Kṛṣṇa, simply by hearing about Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, from the person bhāgavatam, one can get rid of these dirty things, namely mode of ignorance and mode of passion.

Lecture on SB 1.2.19 -- Calcutta, September 27, 1974:

So here Bhāgavata says, tadā. Tadā means "at that time." At that time. When? It is, in the previous verse it has been explained that,

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Lecture on SB 1.2.19 -- Calcutta, September 27, 1974:

At that time, when you are fixed up in devotional service. At that time, tadā. Not otherwise. If you have no connection with devotional service, if you are attached to karma, jñāna, yoga, you cannot be fixed up. Therefore Caitanya-caritāmṛta says, bhukti-mukti-siddhi-kāmī sakali aśānta. Here we require... Tadā, sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati.

And where is the difficulty? Everything is explained here. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). You have to attend Bhāgavata class and serve the bhāgavata person nityam, daily. If you cannot, that is a different thing. But this is the process. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. This conclusion comes when one is partially advanced.

Lecture on SB 1.2.19 -- Calcutta, September 27, 1974:

Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu. Not fully. Then it will come. He'll be ready to serve Bhāgavatam-Bhāgavata, he person bhāgavata and the book Bhāgavata. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. Niṣṭhā, I have explained already yesterday. Tadā, at that time, when you are fixed up, "Now I shall devote my life in Kṛṣṇa consciousness," when you come to this conclusion... Nityam. That will come. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī (SB 1.2.18). Not deviated. But... Not this worship, that worship, this worship, this worship... No. Kāmais tais tair hṛta-jñānā yajante anya-devatāḥ (BG 7.20). Those who are worshiping other demigods... That is recommended for the less intelligent class men.

Lecture on SB 1.2.19 -- Calcutta, September 27, 1974:

So when one comes to this conclusion, bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī... Bhakti where? Not that bhakti to this god, that god. No. Bhagavati, unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. Naiṣṭhikī, without any disturbance. Tadā, at that time. Tadā... What is the result? Rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ... There are three bhāvas: rajo-guṇa-bhāva, tamo-guṇa-bhāva and sattva-guṇa-bhāva.

Lecture on SB 1.5.28 -- Vrndavana, August 9, 1974:

There is a... There is a verse. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Here the same thing is described, that saṅkīrtyamānaṁ munibhir mahātmabhiḥ. Saṅkīrtyamānam. We have to hear the saṅkīrtana not from professional men. That will not be... If you hear saṅkīrtana from the professional men...

Lecture on SB 1.5.36 -- Vrndavana, August 17, 1974:

Last night... (break) I described about the ten offenses... (break) Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18). Completely to become offenseless chanter of Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra means, like Caitanya Mahāprabhu became mad in ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa.

Lecture on SB 1.7.2-4 -- Durban, October 14, 1975:

This is due to rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa. So if we think of Kṛṣṇa, meditation, then this rajas-tamo-guṇa becomes cleansed. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18). Abhadra, this rajas-tamo-guṇa. So if we think of Kṛṣṇa, then gradually, ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12), the mirror of our heart becomes cleansed. The rajas..., rajas means dust, and tamas means darkness.

Lecture on SB 1.7.6 -- Vrndavana, April 23, 1975:

There are eight authorized. Nowhere you will find bhāgavata-saptāha is recommended. No. Bhāgavata should be studied every day. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. That is recommended. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityam. Nityam means always, at least daily. So these temples are meant for hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam daily. That is wanted. Not that I make a ceremony, I hear for one week.

Lecture on SB 1.7.7 -- Vrndavana, April 24, 1975:

Even if you don't understand the Sanskrit or English, simply if we become eager to hear about Kṛṣṇa, then you become pious. It is so powerful. Therefore it is recommended, yasyāṁ vai śrūyamāṇāyām. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). This should be our practice. We are giving this Bhāgavata translation all over the world. And you will be surprised that we are selling more than thirty, forty lakhs of rupees per month. This movement is helping the whole human civilization. So yasyāṁ vai... If one purchases... That is our propaganda. Some or other, we are giving one book.

Lecture on SB 1.7.7 -- Vrndavana, April 24, 1975:

The heart is all right, but it is covered by the material dirty things, namely the three guṇas: sattva-raja-tamo-guṇa. But by hearing simply Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, by hearing chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, you will be purified. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityaṁ bhāga... If we take this opportunity... We are opening centers all over the world just to give the people this opportunity, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Anartha upaśamaṁ sākṣād bhakti-yogam. Then, as soon as the heart is cleansed by hearing about Kṛṣṇa... Caitanya Mahāprabhu recommends that. Yāre dekha, tāre kaha kṛṣṇa-upadeśa (CC Madhya 7.128). This Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is also kṛṣṇa-upadeśa because by hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, you will be interested in kṛṣṇa-upadeśa, about Kṛṣṇa. That is also kṛṣṇa-upadeśa, and the upadeśa, instruction, given by Kṛṣṇa, that is also kṛṣṇa-upadeśa.

Lecture on SB 1.7.11 -- Vrndavana, September 10, 1976:

He was liberated person, but being to hear about Kṛṣṇa more and more, this is not material; this is spiritual. Mahad ākhyānaṁ nityaṁ viṣṇu-jana-priyaḥ. Nityam. Bhāgavata is not for a saptāha. Bhāgavata is meant for nityam. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Not that one is completely free from the modes of material nature, but prāyeṣu: almost finished. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. Then he becomes interested. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Or by serving Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam regularly, nityam. As it is said, nityaṁ viṣṇu-jana-priyaḥ. Viṣṇu-jana and hari-jana. Hari-jana does not mean cāmāra and bangi. Hari-jana means... Cāmāras and bangis can be elevated to hari-jana but not by rubber-stamp, "Viṣṇu-jana." Viṣṇu-jana and hari-jana, the same thing. So viṣṇu-jana-priyaḥ.

Lecture on SB 1.8.21 -- New York, April 13, 1973:

First of all, we have to come to the platform of goodness. But here, in the material world, the goodness is also sometimes contaminated by other low qualities, ignorance and passion. So by hearing about Kṛṣṇa, śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ.. (SB 1.2.17). Just like you are hearing about Kṛṣṇa. Similarly, try to hear about Kṛṣṇa always, twenty-four hours chant about Kṛṣṇa. In this way, the dirty things will be cleansed. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityam means always. Not that bhāgavata-saptāha, official. No, not like that. That is another exploitation. In the Bhāgavata it is said, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Nityam means daily, twenty-four hours. Either you read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam or carry out the order of your spiritual master. This is also order. Bhāgavata is spiritual master. Vaiṣṇava, he's also bhāgavata. Ācāryas, bhāgavata. Grantha-bhāgavata and person, person bhāgavata. So person bhāgavata or book bhāgavata, you always serve. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. Then you will be fixed up. Naiṣṭhikī. Nobody can move you. Bhagavaty uttama-śloke, unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Lecture on SB 1.8.30 -- Mayapura, October 10, 1974:

So Kṛṣṇa is available so cheaply for the people, especially kalau, in this age of Kali. Still, we are reluctant to chant the holy name. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu regrets, etādṛśī tava kṛpā bhagavan mamāpi: "Although You are so liberal and kind upon this fallen soul, still, unfortunate as I am, I am not inclined to chant this holy name." This is our position, obstinacy, dog's obstinacy. But if we do it, then we become purified. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu's recommendation is to read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam either yourself, being purified, or without being purified, you can read, chant. This is our Vaiṣṇava regulation, duty. As much as possible, we should read Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

Lecture on SB 1.8.32 -- Mayapura, October 12, 1974:

Those who are devotee, they are puṇya-śloka. Or Kṛṣṇa is also puṇya-śloka, uttama-śloka, Kṛṣṇa's another name... As Kṛṣṇa is known as Uttama-śloka, similarly, the devotees are called puṇya-śloka. How they become puṇya-śloka? Simply by hearing about Kṛṣṇa. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śloka-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). Anyone who is always in contact with Kṛṣṇa, he's puṇya-śloka, and Kṛṣṇa is Uttama-śloka. Uttama-śloke bhagavati bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī.

So these are the terms used in the śāstras. As Kṛṣṇa is Uttama-śloka, similarly, a devotee is puṇya-śloka. As the devotee worships Kṛṣṇa with selected poems, uttama-śloka... They are not ordinary poems.

Lecture on SB 1.8.32 -- Mayapura, October 12, 1974:

These are not ordinary verse. These are transcendental verses: Govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi **. So Kṛṣṇa is worshiped by transcendental verses, transcendental language, Vedic language. That is transcendental language. Therefore it is called uttama-śloka. So puṇya-śloka, when he's advanced, he can worship the Uttama-śloka. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityam, daily, regular. So as you are daily hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, so if you go on, then naṣṭa-prāya, everything, all dirty things within your heart, ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12), it will be all cleansed. Then you become puṇya-śloka. Puṇya-śloka. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ nityam..., puṇya-śloka-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). Simply by hearing...

Lecture on SB 1.8.44 -- Mayapura, October 24, 1974:

So Kuntī has all along... Very selected words she used. That we should learn. That is the injunction of the śāstras, uttama-śloka. Therefore Kṛṣṇa's another name is bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī (SB 1.2.18). The best words. Actually, if you love somebody, out of love you cannot use anything, means any word, which is not very much appreciated.

This Bhāgavata-saptāha is imitated under Parīkṣit Mahārāja's... Parīkṣit Mahārāja had only seven days' time, so he might have listened to the Bhāgavata lesson for seven days. But for us, it is not that we observe a Bhāgavata-saptāha and finish our business. No. Our business is nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ-stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt satām

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

Nityam. Not that for seven days. Seven days is meant for Parīkṣit Mahārāja because he had no more time. His seven days was sufficient nityam. So we should not imitate that, that "I'll hear seven days." That is also a formality.

So we must be very serious to understand Bhāgavatam. If we can understand even one line, one verse, our life becomes sublime. It is so nice. There is no comparison of this literature, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. That we are actually finding in the Western countries, how nicely they are receiving these granthas. We have translated into English, and they're enjoying. Actually that is the fact. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Now, our problem, what is this problem? Problem is that we have got so many dirty things within the heart. The first dirty thing is that "I am this body." "I am Indian," "I am Englishman," "I am American," "I am brāhmaṇa," "I am kṣatriya," "I am śūdra," "I am fat," "I am thin," "I am black and white..." These conceptions, these are all dirty things. "I am not this body," that is real knowledge. Therefore Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12), to cleanse the dirty things from the heart, that is my first business. And what is that dirty things?

Devotee: Jordan River.

Prabhupāda: Yes. So... No. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). If you have to cleanse your heart from all misgivings, then you have to do this: śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). You hear about Kṛṣṇa. Where? Kṛṣṇa is speaking about Himself in the Bhagavad-gītā. "I am this. I am that." You hear. Or you hear about Kṛṣṇa from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ.

Therefore we have to cleanse our heart. Our heart is always aspiring how to get money, how to get women, how to get prestige, how to become leader, how to become minister, how to become guru. These are the things, always hankering in our heart. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu says, ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12). First of all cleanse your heart. And that is also said in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, that naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityam. Not seven days. Nityam. Read every day. Especially those who are in Vṛndāvana. Every day, as much as possible, read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā. Nityam. Then our heart will be cleansed, and we shall know what is our constitutional position, what is our relationship with Kṛṣṇa, and then if we serve in that relationship, our life is perfect.

We should scrutinizingly study what is Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, what is Bhagavad-gītā, what is a preacher, what is gosvāmī. These things we must study. Loka-hi... These will be discussed by Śukadeva Gosvāmī, that what is what. You'll find in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Therefore it is our duty: nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Nityam. Not that seven days. Nityam. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18). First of all we have to hear. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ. We acquire pious result of hearing. And the result will be manifested... Hṛdy antaḥ-stho hy abhadrāṇi...

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ-stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt satām

Lecture on SB 2.1.3 -- Delhi, November 6, 1973:

There is no mention in the Bhāgavata that Bhāgavata should be heard for seven days. No commentator. There are many, many big commentators. Śrīdhara Svāmī, Jīva Gosvāmī and Viśvanātha Cakravartī, Vīrarāghavācārya, Madhvācārya, so many big, big. There are... Nobody has mentioned about Bhāgavata-saptāha. And in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam it is said, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityam: "daily." What you will understand? What is your merit that you will understand?

Lecture on SB 2.1.3 -- Delhi, November 6, 1973:

So everything has become professional. So therefore people are in darkness. One should be very serious, serious to understand the teachings of Bhāgavatam. Then he will actually make profit and make a successful life. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. This... Nityābhiyuktānām. Nityābhiyuktānām. This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant for engaging the people twenty-four hours in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, twenty-four hours. Not that partial: "Twenty-three hours and sixty minutes I spoil myself in this nidrayā hriyate naktam, and for fifteen minutes I make some Kṛṣṇa consciousness." No, not like that.

Lecture on SB 2.3.1 -- Los Angeles, May 19, 1972:

Because without becoming brāhmaṇa, nobody can understand what is Kṛṣṇa or what is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One must be on the platform of goodness. When one is fixed up on the platform of goodness, the other two qualities—namely, ignorance and passion—cannot disturb him. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18).

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ-stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt satām

Lecture on SB 2.3.17 -- Los Angeles, June 12, 1972:

The sun's business is to take away a portion of your span of life. That is business. But he cannot take away the portion of the life of a devotee. Because a devotee is going to live. This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to give a living entity a permanent span of life. Uttama-śloka-vārtayā. Uttama-śloka is Kṛṣṇa. Uttama-śloka. Bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī bhagavaty uttama-śloke. In another place it is stated, tadā... naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityam ... Just like we are holding class daily. Nityam, regularly. Nityam means regularly, daily, always. So nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. The beginning... Just like when a man is infected with a disease, he is subjected to death. Crude example. So when a man falls diseased, the physician tries to get him relieved from that infection. So our material body is an infection.

Lecture on SB 2.9.4 -- Japan, April 22, 1972:

So any one of them you adopt, you become perfect. So the best thing is nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). If you hear Bhāgavata... This Bhāgavata is written for hearing, for hearing, discussing. Otherwise, why we are taking so much time? So here it is said that "Both Śukadeva Gosvāmī and Parīkṣit Mahārāja attained perfection through the medium of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam." So any questions?

Lecture on SB 3.25.16 -- Bombay, November 16, 1974:

So vītaṁ yadā manaḥ... So how it is possible? That is also said, that nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. Abhadra, the dirty things... Because you hear, go on, go on hearing, chanting, then the dirty things will be diminished. Kṛṣṇa says that hṛdy antaḥ-sthaḥ. Kṛṣṇa is also within the heart, and the dirty things are also there. So..., but Kṛṣṇa helps you cleansing.

Lecture on SB 3.25.16 -- Bombay, November 16, 1974:

So it is not completely cleansed, but even it is fifty percent or sixty percent cleansed, naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu... How? Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Regularly hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. These two processes recommended by Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Chant your rounds regularly. Make a fixed-up... We have fixed up only minimum. Haridāsa Ṭhākura was chanting 300,000 times, and we have made sixteen times.

Lecture on SB 3.25.16 -- Bombay, November 16, 1974:

In this way... Here it is, vītaṁ yadā manaḥ. When the mind is cleansed. This can be done, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nityam. Not Bhāgavata-saptāha. The Bhāgavata-saptāha, that is a business. Real business is nityam. We don't find in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam by so many big, big commentators, Śrīdhara Svāmī, Jīva Gosvāmī, and Vīrarāghava Ācārya, many, many... They never recommend Bhāgavata-saptāha. I do not know wherefrom it has come. Bhāgavata says, nityaṁ bhāgavata... Why week? Every day.

Lecture on SB 3.25.16 -- Bombay, November 16, 1974:

Simply by chanting, simply by reading Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. We are publishing so many books. We have to read; we have to chant. Then life will successful. Vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodha (BG 4.10). Then we shall be free from this attachment, ahaṁ mameti (SB 5.5.8), kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye.

So the process is that nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Daily we should devote our time for understanding Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. And bhāgavata-sevayā means to serve the person bhāgavata, whose life is simply Bhāgavata, to serve him. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Lecture on SB 3.25.16 -- Bombay, November 16, 1974:

By this process then you attain the stage of bhagavad-bhakti, naiṣṭhikī, fixed up, not tiltering, fixed up. Bhagavati naiṣṭhikī.

We don't require all these things. Why I shall think, "This is my country, my family, my body..."? Nothing is mine. It is false. But people are wasting time in this way. "My country, my nation, my body, my family." Ahaṁ mameti (SB 5.5.8). They are wasting time. So nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. We can vanquish all these false conceptions of life. Then sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati. These are the... Kāma-lobha... But even if it is not completely finished, these dirty things, but even if you come to the platform of sattva-guṇa, then you'll not be disturbed.

Lecture on SB 3.26.21 -- Bombay, December 30, 1974:

Without becoming calm and peaceful, you cannot understand what is God. Ceta etair anāviddhaṁ sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati. When our heart will be no more attacked by the sattva-guṇa and rajo-guṇa, we come into the platform..., er, rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa... Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). This class is held for understanding Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Why? Just to cleanse the heart. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Not that we are almost free from all the contamination, but even little washed away... It begins immediately. As soon as you begin hearing and chanting of these literatures or chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, immediately the cleansing method begins.

Lecture on SB 3.26.21 -- Bombay, December 30, 1974:

And naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. Almost cleansed, not that properly, cent percent clean. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Daily. Not this Bhāgavata-saptāha, official. No. Nityam. There is no such thing as Bhāgavata-saptāha in any Vedic literature. This is another manufacture, concoction. The Bhāgavata says, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā: "You have to twenty-four hours engaged in bhāgavata, in the service of bhāgavata, the person bhāgavata or the book Bhāgavata." Bhāgavata, there are two kinds of bhāgavata. Person bhāgavata is the spiritual master, and the book Bhāgavata.

Lecture on SB 3.26.21 -- Bombay, December 30, 1974:

So there is no difference, because the person bhāgavata advises you read Bhāgavata. And by reading Bhāgavata, you understand what is Bhagavān, what is spiritual master.

So in this way,

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Lecture on SB 3.26.23-4 -- Bombay, January 1, 1975:

This is the process to make the heart cleansed and gradually attain the perfection of complete peacefulness. And that complete peacefulness is the stage for understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

So a Kṛṣṇa conscious person is not agitated by the material action and reaction. He remains fixed-up, naiṣṭhikī-bhakti. This is called naiṣṭhikī-bhakti, niṣṭhā, firmly convinced. Tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ (SB 1.2.19). Naiṣṭhikī-bhakti. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. This is abhadra, this material contamination, kriyā-śaktir ahaṅkāras tri-vidhaḥ, three kinds of kriyā-śakti: working in the modes of ignorance, working in the modes of passion... These are the moha, that when these two things, kriyā-śakti, this kriyā-śakti under the spell of passion and spell of ignorance, is almost gone... Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.

Lecture on SB 3.26.31 -- Bombay, January 8, 1975:

Vyāsadeva made Vedānta-sūtra, the ultimate knowledge, and he made his comment also, natural commentary. That is Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. At the end of every chapter of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam you will find, brahma-sūtrasya bhāṣya: "It is the natural comment of Brahma-sūtra." So if we study Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam very thoroughly and specifically from a person bhāgavata, then our life is successful. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). That is the instruction, nityam.

Lecture on SB 3.26.41 -- Bombay, January 16, 1975:

So Bhāgavata is so powerful that nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā: we have to read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam daily and twenty-four hours. That is the injunction: nityam. Nityam means always.

Lecture on SB 3.26.41 -- Bombay, January 16, 1975:

Please read them carefully. Don't take books that "I am member. It is my duty to take books and keep it in the almirah." No. Read it thoroughly. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. By regular reading of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, then our this material contamination becomes vanquished. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). As soon as it begins to diminish, then it will diminish finally, and then you will be situated in your pure, original constitutional position, Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Bhakti-yogataḥ.

Lecture on SB 5.5.6 -- Vrndavana, October 28, 1976:

So none of these guṇas are pure. There is a mixture. And because there is mixture, therefore we see so many varieties. But we have to come to the platform of sattva-guṇa. And that process is hearing. This is the best process. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). If you hear regularly Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam... We are therefore stressing: "Always hear, always read, always hear." Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nitya. If you can constantly, twenty-four hours, if you hear and chant Hear means somebody chants or you chant yourself or hear, or some of your colleague may chant, you hear. Or he may hear, you may chant. This process must go on. This is śrāvaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ. Viṣṇoḥ (SB 7.5.23). That is Bhāgavata.

Lecture on SB 5.5.14 -- Vrndavana, November 2, 1976:

Not that officially, I attend bhāgavata-kathā for seven days or ten days in a year, and there are 365 days, and other 355 days, I go to the share market and simply inquire about the raise of this share and that share. That will not help you. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18), then it is bhakti-yoga. This manufacturing of seven days bhāgavata-kathā, it is business. It is not bhāgavata-kathā. In the Bhāgavata comments, there are so many authorized comments, just like Śrīdhara Svāmī, Vīrarāghavācārya, Vijayadhvaja, Viśvanātha Cakravartī, Jīva Gosvāmī, and Giridhārī Gosvāmī, so many.

Lecture on SB 5.5.14 -- Vrndavana, November 2, 1976:

Nowhere it is stated that you hear bhāgavata-kathā for seven days. You will not find. Therefore this seven days bhāgavata-kathā, so far we can understand, it is not authorized. Here also it is said, nityam, mat-kathayā ca nityam. Never you will find seven days. In another place it is said, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Nityam, you have to hear Bhāgavatam daily. Not that a prescribed method, formality, for seven days. No, that is not authorized. Here it is also said, mat-kathayā, bhāgavata-kathayā ca nityam. Mad-deva-saṅgāt, not in the association of the karmīs, jñānīs, yogis, no. That will not help us.

Lecture on SB 5.5.23 -- Vrndavana, November 10, 1976:

If you have to follow again and again We can come to the brāhmaṇa stage by a simple method, as we are practicing, that nityaṁ bhāgavata. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Bhāgavata-sevayā. The book Bhāgavata and the person bhāgavata. Person bhāgavata, the guru, is the symbolic representation of person bhāgavata, whose life is bhāgavata and book Bhāgavata. So you have to serve two bhāgavata, nityaṁ bhāgavata, not the bhāgavata-saptāha. This is another cheating. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. There is no such thing as bhāgavata-saptāha in authoritative literature. They have manufactured as a business. But bhāgavata should be served nityam. Nityaṁ bhāgavata.

Lecture on SB 5.5.23 -- Vrndavana, November 10, 1976:

Who can do that? Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. By developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness whose sinful life is almost nil, not completely nil but almost nil, prāyeṣu. How? Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. If you engage yourself to serve, to hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and to serve the person bhāgavatam. Nityam bhāgavata-sevayā. Bhaktiḥ, uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. Then your bhakti will increase uttama-śloke, to the Supreme. Uttama-śloka means the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And when you come to that stage, not that completely pure, almost pure, by nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18), and increasing your devotional service, then you immediately be situated in the brāhmaṇa qualification.

Lecture on SB 6.1.1-4 -- Melbourne, May 20, 1975:

We cannot understand. But gradually we have to come to the modes of goodness, sattva-guṇa. So rajo-guṇa, tamo-guṇa is covering us. So by śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ... If you hear about Kṛṣṇa, then these dirty things, rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa, will be cleansed. And even it is not completely cleansed, naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18), even almost clean, then you come to the platform of sattva-guṇa. And as soon as you come to the platform of sattva-guṇa, the resultant action of tamo-guṇa and rajo-guṇa, namely kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye. Tato rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye (SB 1.2.19). So long you are covered by the passion and ignorance... The ignorance means you do not know anything.

Lecture on SB 6.1.1-4 -- Melbourne, May 20, 1975:

So if you come to the platform of sattva-guṇa, then you become free from this greediness and lustiness. Then your life becomes settled. Then gradually you will understand what is God, what is your relationship. Tato rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye (SB 1.2.19). Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). You can do that simply by cultivating this Bhāgavata life. That is required. What is that?

Lecture on SB 6.1.44 -- Los Angeles, June 10, 1976:

So this is going on, tamo-guṇa, rajo-guṇa. But if we simply hear this Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā... Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). How it is possible? Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). This abhadra—inauspicious, nasty things within our heart, most uncivilized way of life, killing of animals—this will be stopped. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). By hearing the message of God, bhāgavataṁ bhaktiḥ uttama-śloke bhavati naiṣṭhikī, gradually you become devotee. This is the process, how to transcend the material qualities. That is explained.

Lecture on SB 6.2.4 -- Vrndavana, September 8, 1975:

So in the very beginning the first thing is ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam. We are all suffering on account of ignorance. There are so many nasty, dirty things within our heart. It will be cleansed. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.

tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ

kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye

ceta etair anāviddhaṁ

sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Lecture on SB 6.2.24-25 -- Gorakhpur, February 13, 1971:

These are the formulas. If we hear Bhāgavatam from Bhāgavatam, not from the professional men who have made business for reciting Bhāgavata... No. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.

Of course, there is some effect, but this is not recommended anywhere in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, that one has to hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam within seven days. No. So far we see in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, it is said, nityam bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). People should hear daily, regularly Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Why seven days? Regularly. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Nityam, daily, regularly, if one hears and chants Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, then naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu, then the dirty things within his heart becomes almost cleansed.

Lecture on SB 6.2.24-25 -- Gorakhpur, February 13, 1971:

Now, just try to understand. By daily hearing... Because we are so much contaminated that it is very difficult to get us freed from the contamination, so nityam, regularly, there should be regularly class, hearing of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu.

naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭikī

Lecture on SB 6.2.24-25 -- Gorakhpur, February 13, 1971:

By the process of cleansing our heart, our devotional temperament becomes fixed up on the Supreme Personality of Godhead who is called Uttama-śloka, who is glorified with first-class, I mean to say, Sanskrit stanzas, uttama-śloka.

So by studying, by hearing, and chanting, reciting regularly of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, nityam... Not that we make a function for seven days, and all the days we do all nonsense. No. Regular habit should be there. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭikī. The result will be that our devotional service towards the Supreme Personality of Godhead will be fixed up, firmly fixed up. And that firmly fixed up means you are immediately elevated to the platform of sattva-guṇa, goodness. Sattva-guṇa. Tato rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ (SB 1.2.19), as soon as you are fixed up.

Lecture on SB 7.6.19 -- New Vrindaban, July 2, 1976:

We have got so many dirty things within our hearts, and as soon as we are a little inclined to hear about Kṛṣṇa, He removes the dirty things, then we become more and more enthused. In this way, nityaṁ bhāgavata sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18). Not that cent percent we are cleansed, but even a little percentage cleansed, naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Nityam, daily, there must be bhāgavata-sevā. Everything is sevayā. Prasāda-seva, bhāgavata-sevā. Because, sevā means service. Just like maha-prasāda, not eating. The exact term is sevā.

Lecture on SB 7.9.8 -- Mayapur, February 28, 1977:

The first perfect class, munayo, as it is said, sattvaikatāna gatayo munayo, "Great sages..." Generally, "great sages" means brāhmaṇas, Vaiṣṇavas. They are situated on the sattva-guṇa by devotional service. Rajas, tamo-guṇa cannot touch them. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). The bhadra and abhadra, good and bad... So the rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa is bad, and sattva-guṇa is good. If we are situated, as it is said, sattvaikatāna-gatayo... If you are always situated on the sattva-guṇa, then everything is clear to be done. Sattva-guṇa means prakāṣa. Everything is clear, full knowledge.

Lecture on SB 7.12.4 -- Bombay, April 15, 1976:

Anarthopaśamaṁ sākṣād bhakti-yogam adhokṣaje, lokasya ajānataḥ (SB 1.7.6). These rascals, they do not know how to accept leader. And vidvāṁś cakre sātvata-saṁhitā. Therefore Vyāsadeva is the most learned person, vidvān. He has prepared the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam amalaṁ purāṇam. So if we read, nityaṁ bhāgavata sevayā (SB 1.2.18), daily... So we are making so much effort. We are building nice building. So you come and hear Bhāgavatam, discuss Bhāgavatam. Then you'll be happy.

Nectar of Devotion Lectures

The Nectar of Devotion -- Vrndavana, October 29, 1972:

Kṛṣṇa's another name is Uttama-śloka. Bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭikī. Kṛṣṇa does not belong to this material world. Only the fools and rascals, they think of Kṛṣṇa having material body. Avajānanti māṁ mūḍhāḥ mānuṣīṁ tanum āśritam (BG 9.11). Kṛṣṇa is always in His spiritual body, sac-cid-ānanda-vigraha. Īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ (Bs. 5.1). Similarly, if we establish our bona fide relationship with the spiritual master, representative of Kṛṣṇa, immediately our connection with Kṛṣṇa becomes established. Go on.

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Lectures

Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 6.149-50 -- Gorakhpur, February 13, 1971:

They are supposed to be in ignorance and passion. How they are coming to the platform of transcendental platform of pure goodness?" That is possible. That is possible by the execution of Bhāgavata-dharma. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Tato rajas-tamo bhāvāḥ. There are verses in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam that śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). One has to hear. Therefore śravaṇa and kīrtana, hearing and chanting, is very important, śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ, especially hearing and chanting of Kṛṣṇa. Kīrtanād eva kṛṣṇasya mukta-saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet (SB 12.3.51). Simply by discussing and hearing and reciting Bhagavad-gītā purely, not by interpreting wrongly... As it is.

General Lectures

Lecture -- New Vrindaban, June 7, 1969:

Then, from this brāhmaṇa stage you have to become a Vaiṣṇava. That is transcendental stage. Simply by hearing... This chanting and hearing will raise you, higher and higher stages of life. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18). By this process, when your contamination will be almost clear, not completely clear, almost clear... Completely clear is not possible because we are in this material world, we have got this material body. But Bhāgavata says, "Even it is not completely cured, almost cured," nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā... Nityam means daily, regularly. Bhāgavata-sevayā. Bhāgavata means in relationship with Bhagavān, Kṛṣṇa. So these boys are engaged in reading Bhāgavatam, in reading Bhagavad-gītā and other literatures which gives them knowledge about Bhagavān, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And bhāgavata means the devotee.

Pandal Lecture -- Bombay, April 7, 1971:

Actually, according to Caitanya Mahāprabhu and according to the Vedic instructions, this movement should be continued in every city for twenty-four hours. Kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ (CC Adi 17.31). Caitanya Mahāprabhu does not say that it should be occasional, temporary. He says that kīrtanīyaḥ sadā. Sadā means always. Similarly, Śrīmad-Bhāgavata says also, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). One has to cleanse all the inauspicious things within our hearts. Caitanya Mahāprabhu says also the same thing, that ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12).

Pandal Lecture -- Bombay, April 10, 1971:

Similarly, as soon as I think in terms of my body, in my nationality, in my creed, in my being—they are all designations. So purification of the senses made by devotional service, bhakti-yogena, nirmalam... That is stated in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam also:

tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ

kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye

ceta etair anāviddhaṁ

sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

Pandal Lecture -- Delhi, November 12, 1971:

By daily, regular study or serving Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, anything in relationship with Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead... Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. These abhadras, this designations, can be eradicated simply by regular service to Bhāgavatam. Bhāgavatam means the person who is a devotee, he is also bhāgavata, and the literatures which describe about Kṛṣṇa, that is also bhāgavata.

But actually, Bhāgavata is not to be studied imitating Parīkṣit Mahārāja for seven days. No. In seven days we cannot understand even one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, what to speak of the eighteen thousand verses. That is not possible. But it has become a fashion. Bhāgavata says, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). It is not for seven days; it is for all the life. Parīkṣit Mahārāja had no time more than seven days. Therefore he finished the whole Bhāgavata hearing in seven days.

Philosophy Discussions

Philosophy Discussion on Socrates:

Prabhupāda: And when he is perfectly in goodness, then this passion and ignorance and their by-products cannot touch him. Tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye (SB 1.2.19).

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ

kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye

ceta etair anāviddham...

Room Conversation -- July 16, 1968, Montreal:

Conversations and Morning Walks

1968 Conversations and Morning Walks

Prabhupāda: Because it is understandable not by ordinary class of men. But they are not disallowed. It depends on the speaker to present very nicely for their understanding. It is not, I mean to say, stopped. Nityam bhāgavata-sevaya (SB 1.2.18). This is the process.

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hrdy antah-stho hy abhadrani

vidhunoti suhrt satam

Room Conversation -- August 11, 1973, Paris:

If you kindly come and hear about Kṛṣṇa, then Kṛṣṇa will be very much pleased upon you. Anyone. Suppose if somebody is interested with you, he likes your activity, he likes to hear about your qualities, you will be also pleased with him. "Oh, this man is interested with my affairs." So śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ. Kṛṣṇa is within your heart.

1973 Conversations and Morning Walks

Haṁsadūta: The next verse?

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Haṁsadūta: Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata... (SB 1.2.18).

Prabhupāda: Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. His heart is filled up with so many dirty things. So by that process, when he agrees to hear, chanting and hearing... Therefore we say: "Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa." I say Hare Kṛṣṇa, and we ask others to chant. Response. By this process, his heart becomes cleansed. And next verse says: naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu. Not that it has become completely cleansed. A little, or almost cleansed. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu.

Haṁsadūta: Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.

Prabhupāda: By this process, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, by hearing the message of Kṛṣṇa, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, that is also about Kṛṣṇa, chanting about Kṛṣṇa, nityam daily, regularly, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā...

Haṁsadūta: Bhagavaty uttama-śloke...

Prabhupāda: Bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī. Then he becomes fixed up in devotional service. Not that he has completely become cleansed. Even little cleansed, then he will engage. Then he will hear. "What does he say?" Unclean, how he can take up?

Haṁsadūta: He can't accept it.

1974 Conversations and Morning Walks

Room Conversation -- February 13, 1974, Vrndavana:

Dr. Kapoor: (Hindi)

Prabhupāda: Bhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī (SB 1.2.18). Uttama-śloke. Uttama (Hindi)

Dr. Kapoor: Minor accident with the bus (indistinct).

Prabhupāda: Oh. Padaṁ padaṁ yad vipadām (laughter) . Tat padma vipad. Padaṁ padaṁ yad vipadāṁ na teṣām (SB 10.14.58).

Dr. Kapoor: ...accident.

Prabhupāda: Tell me.

Morning Walk -- March 30, 1974, Bombay:

Prabhupāda: Kāraṇaṁ guṇa-saṅgo 'sya. You are suffering because you have associated with a particular type of material quality. Just like you have associated with some infectious disease. Now you are suffering. Kāraṇaṁ guṇa-saṅgo' sya. Why you affect...? Therefore one should remain always in sattva-guṇa. Sattva-guṇa. What is that verse in the Bhāgavata?

naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavataḥ-sevayā

bhāgavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ

kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye

ceta etair anāviddhaṁ

sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati

Room Conversation with Dr. John Mize -- June 23, 1975, Los Angeles:

We have to go the platform of sattva-guṇa. Therefore these boys are being trained how to become in the sattva-guṇa. You cannot become a wise man... You remain in the rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa, and you become a wise man.

1975 Conversations and Morning Walks

Bahulāśva: Śrīla Prabhupāda?

Prabhupāda: Let him ask. (pause) Tato rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ (SB 1.2.19). Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18). In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam you find out this verse, First Canto. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. So abhadreṣu, prāyeṣu. We are now covered with base qualities. So when these base qualities are finished, not altogether, almost finished, then one can come to the platform of sattva-guṇa.

Dr. John Mize: The platform of...?

Room Conversation with Dr. John Mize -- June 23, 1975, Los Angeles:

Prabhupāda: Sattva-guṇa, goodness. In that platform one can understand very quickly. This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is little successful because we are trying to bring the students on the platform of goodness. Therefore it is becoming little successful. If you keep them in the platform of ignorance and passion, then it will be difficult.

Dharmādhyakṣa:

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Room Conversation with Dr. John Mize -- June 23, 1975, Los Angeles:

Translation: By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.

Prabhupāda: That is Kṛṣṇa conscious movement, to take the soul out of the covering of twenty-seven layers of material atmosphere. That śloka is naṣṭa-prāyeṣu abhadreṣu: "almost cleansed." Abhadra, abhadra means dirty things. So this clearing process going on. When it is almost cleansed the man feels, "Oh..." And that process: nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18), constantly being engaged in the service of Bhāgavata, grantha-Bhāgavata and the person Bhāgavata. Then it will be cleansed. And then, when he comes out, that is brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā (BG 18.54), "Oh, I am now free." Na śocati na..., no more lamentation, no more greediness. Everything finished. Then he begins his real business as part and parcel of God. That is perfection.

Morning Walk -- July 2, 1975, Denver:

Prabhupāda: He is not disturbed by the rajo-guṇa, tamo-guṇa. That is sattva-guṇa. Naṣṭa-prayeṣv abhadreṣu (SB 1.2.18). He can be disturbed by rajo-guṇa, tamo-guṇa, but when he is in sattva-guṇa, he is not so much disturbed. And if he increase and go to the pure sattva-guṇa, suddha-sattva, then he is no more disturbed. At that time he can understand what is God. (break) ...you are strongly situated in sattva-guṇa, the other base qualities cannot disturb you. Tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye (SB 1.2.19). Other guṇa means lusty desires and greediness. This thing will be finished when you are strongly situated in sattva-guṇa. Then you go advance more and more. (break) ...hear about Kṛṣṇa, to chant about Kṛṣṇa, means cleansing, cleansing the dirty things of rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa. (break) ...world is going on on rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa. Very minute quantity of population are by sattva-guṇa.

1976 Conversations and Morning Walks

Meeting with Endowments Commissioner -- August 24, 1976, Hyderabad:

Prabhupāda: It is not artificial. Śravaṇādi-śuddha-citte karaye udaya. If the hearing about Kṛṣṇa is pure... That is also confirmed in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam,

śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ

hṛdy antaḥ stho hy abhadrāṇi

vidhunoti suhṛt satām

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty naiṣṭhikī bhakti

uttama-śloke bhavati naiṣṭhikī.

tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāḥ

kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye

ceta etair anāviddhaṁ

sthitaṁ sattve prasīdati

Room Conversation -- September 4, 1976, Vrndavana:

Prabhupāda: No, I say about Bhāgavata's description. How perfect it is in any subject matter. I have tried to explain what is there in the Bhāgavatam, expand it. That is not my explanation, that is Kṛṣṇa's explanation. I cannot explain now. That moment I could explain. That means Kṛṣṇa's... I can understand that. That the description is very nicely given. Although it is my writing, but I know it is not my writing. It is Kṛṣṇa's writing. So we should read Bhāgavatam always. Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). We should not waste our time. So we have to check that closet. You can... (break) How they can say there is no God? Then you are only intelligent. All are fools. That means you are fool number one. If you think like that...

1977 Conversations and Morning Walks

Room Conversation Varnasrama System Must Be Introduced -- February 14, 1977, Mayapura:

Prabhupāda: By becoming a brāhmaṇa, hearing, hearing, hearing... Or by hearing, hearing, hearing, he becomes a brāhmaṇa. The other qualities, śūdra quality, kṣatriya, vaiśya, means finished. So then next stage is, śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ, hṛdy antaḥ... Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu. By this process, hearing... Without becoming a brāhmaṇa nobody is interested to hear. Then, by hearing, naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu, then abhadra, means the base qualities, means ignorance and passion... These are the base qualities. So naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu. When these base qualities are finished almost, not complete, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, by hearing from Bhāgavata or by serving the spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement-

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Room Conversation Varnasrama System Must Be Introduced -- February 14, 1977, Mayapura:

Then he becomes fixed up in devotional...

Prabhupāda: By becoming a brāhmaṇa, hearing, hearing, hearing... Or by hearing, hearing, hearing, he becomes a brāhmaṇa. The other qualities, śūdra quality, kṣatriya, vaiśya, means finished. So then next stage is, śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ, hṛdy antaḥ... Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu. By this process, hearing... Without becoming a brāhmaṇa nobody is interested to hear. Then, by hearing, naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu, then abhadra, means the base qualities, means ignorance and passion... These are the base qualities. So naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu. When these base qualities are finished almost, not complete, nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā, by hearing from Bhāgavata or by serving the spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement-

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Room Conversation Varnasrama System Must Be Introduced -- February 14, 1977, Mayapura:

Then he becomes fixed up in devotional... This devotional service is the first-grade quality of sattva-guṇa.

Prabhupāda: Then he becomes fixed up in devotional... This devotional service is the first-grade quality of sattva-guṇa.

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu

nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā

bhagavaty uttama-śloke

bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī