Canto 7: The Science of God

CHAPTER ONE

The Supreme Lord Is Equal to Everyone

• Summary of the Chapterplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.1: The Supreme Lord Is Equal to Everyone
  
  The Supreme Lord Is Equal to Everyone
  
  In this chapter, in response to a question by Mahārāja Parīkṣit, Śukadeva Gosvāmī gives his conclusions concerning how the Supreme Personality of Godhead, although the Supersoul, friend and protector of everyone, killed the Daityas, the demons, for the sake of Indra, the King of heaven. In his statements, he totally refutes the arguments of people in general who accuse the Supreme Lord of partiality. Śukadeva Gosvāmī proves that because the body of the cond…
• Visnu Is Extremely Dear to Everyoneplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.1.1
  
  King Parīkṣit inquired: My dear brāhmaṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu, being everyone's well-wisher, is equal and extremely dear to everyone. How, then, did He become partial like a common man for the sake of Indra and thus kill Indra's enemies? How can a person equal to everyone be partial to some and inimical toward others?
• Topics of the Lord Counteract Material Miseriesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.1.4-5
  
  The great sage Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: My dear King, you have put before me an excellent question. Discourses concerning the activities of the Lord, in which the glories of His devotees are also found, are extremely pleasing to devotees. Such wonderful topics always counteract the miseries of the materialistic way of life. Therefore great sages like Nārada always speak upon Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam because it gives one the facility to hear and chant about the wonderful activities of the Lord. Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Śrīla Vyāsadeva and then begin describing topics concerning the activities of Lord Hari.
• An Expert Thinker Can Perceive the Lord’s Presenceplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.1.9
  
  The all-pervading Personality of Godhead exists within the heart of every living being, and an expert thinker can perceive how He is present there to a large or small extent. Just as one can understand the supply of fire in wood, the water in a waterpot, or the sky within a pot, one can understand whether a living entity is a demon or a demigod by understanding that living entity's devotional performances. A thoughtful man can understand how much a person is favored by the Supreme Lord by seeing his actions.
• Living Entities Act Within the Limits of Timeplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.1.11
  
  O great King, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the controller of the material and spiritual energies, who is certainly the creator of the entire cosmos, creates the time factor to allow the material energy and the living entity to act within the limits of time. Thus the Supreme Personality is never under the time factor nor under the material energy.
• Sisupala Merged into the Body of the Lordplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.1.14-15
  
  O King, at the Rājasūya sacrifice, Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Mahārāja Pāṇḍu, personally saw Śiśupāla merge into the body of the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, struck with wonder, he inquired about the reason for this from the great sage Nārada, who was seated there. While he inquired, all the sages present also heard him ask his question.
• The Conditioned Soul Is Subjected to Dualitiesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.1.24
  
  My dear King, the conditioned soul, being in the bodily conception of life, considers his body to be his self and considers everything in relationship with the body to be his. Because he has this wrong conception of life, he is subjected to dualities like praise and chastisement.
• Thinking of the Lord Frees One from Sinplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.1.28-29
  
  A grassworm confined in a hole of a wall by a bee always thinks of the bee in fear and enmity and later becomes a bee simply because of such remembrance. Similarly, if the conditioned souls somehow or other think of Kṛṣṇa, who is sac-cid-ānanda-vigraha [Bs. 5.1], they will become free from their sins. Whether thinking of Him as their worshipable Lord or an enemy, because of constantly thinking of Him they will regain their spiritual bodies.
• Atheists Cannot Attain Salvationplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.1.32
  
  Somehow or other, one must consider the form of Kṛṣṇa very seriously. Then, by one of the five different processes mentioned above, one can return home, back to Godhead. Atheists like King Vena, however, being unable to think of Kṛṣṇa's form in any of these five ways, cannot attain salvation. Therefore, one must somehow think of Kṛṣṇa, whether in a friendly way or inimically.
• Jaya and Vijaya Are Cursed by the Sagesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.1.38
  
  Thus checked by the doorkeepers Jaya and Vijaya, Sanandana and the other great sages very angrily cursed them. "You two foolish doorkeepers," they said. "Being agitated by the material qualities of passion and ignorance, you are unfit to live at the shelter of Madhudviṣa's lotus feet, which are free from such modes. It would be better for you to go immediately to the material world and take your birth in a family of most sinful asuras."

CHAPTER TWO

Hiranyakasipu, King of the Demons

• Summary of the Chapterplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.2: Hiraṇyakaśipu, King of the Demons
  
  Hiraṇyakaśipu, King of the Demons
  
  As described in this chapter, after the annihilation of Hiraṇyākṣa, Hiraṇyākṣa’s sons and his brother Hiraṇyakaśipu were very much aggrieved. Hiraṇyakaśipu reacted very sinfully by trying to diminish the religious activities of people in general. However, he instructed his nephews about a history just to diminish their aggrievement.
• Hiranyakasipu Laments His Brother’s Deathplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.1
  
  Śrī Nārada Muni said: My dear King Yudhiṣṭhira, when Lord Viṣṇu, in the form of Varāha, the boar, killed Hiraṇyākṣa, Hiraṇyākṣa's brother Hiraṇyakaśipu was extremely angry and began to lament.
• Hiranyakasipu Vows to Kill Lord Visnuplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.7-8
  
  The Supreme Personality of Godhead has given up His natural tendency of equality toward the demons and demigods. Although He is the Supreme Person, now, influenced by māyā, He has assumed the form of a boar to please His devotees, the demigods, just as a restless child leans toward someone. I shall therefore sever Lord Viṣṇu's head from His trunk by my trident, and with the profuse blood from His body I shall please my brother Hiraṇyākṣa, who was so fond of sucking blood. Thus shall I too be peaceful.
• The Assembled Demons Are Instructed by Hiranyakasipuplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.10
  
  While I am engaged in the business of killing Lord Viṣṇu, go down to the planet earth, which is flourishing due to brahminical culture and a kṣatriya government. These people engage in austerity, sacrifice, Vedic study, regulative vows, and charity. Destroy all the people thus engaged!
• The Demons Engage in Disastrous Activitiesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.13
  
  Thus the demons, being fond of disastrous activities, took Hiraṇyakaśipu's instructions on their heads with great respect and offered him obeisances. According to his directions, they engaged in envious activities directed against all living beings.
• The Demigods Wander the Earth Unseenplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.16
  
  Thus disturbed again and again by the unnatural occurrences caused by the followers of Hiraṇyakaśipu, all the people had to cease the activities of Vedic culture. Not receiving the results of yajña, the demigods also became disturbed. They left their residential quarters in the heavenly planets and, unobserved by the demons, began wandering on the planet earth to see the disasters.
• Hiranyakasipu Pacifies His Nephewsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.18-19
  
  O King, Hiraṇyakaśipu was extremely angry, but since he was a great politician, he knew how to act according to the time and situation. With sweet words he began pacifying his nephews, whose names were Śakuni, Śambara, Dhṛṣṭi, Bhūtasantāpana, Vṛka, Kālanābha, Mahānābha, Hariśmaśru and Utkaca. He also consoled their mother, his sister-in-law, Ruṣābhānu, as well as his own mother, Diti. He spoke to them all as follows.
• The Soul Is Eternal and Inexhaustibleplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.22
  
  The spirit soul, the living entity, has no death, for he is eternal and inexhaustible. Being free from material contamination, he can go anywhere in the material or spiritual worlds. He is fully aware and completely different from the material body, but because of being misled by misuse of his slight independence, he is obliged to accept subtle and gross bodies created by the material energy and thus be subjected to so-called material happiness and distress. Therefore, no one should lament for the passing of the spirit soul from the body.
• The History of King Suyajnaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.28
  
  In the state known as Uśīnara there was a celebrated King named Suyajña. When the King was killed in battle by his enemies, his kinsmen sat down around the dead body and began to lament the death of their friend.
• Yamaraja Advised the King’s Widowsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.36
  
  While the queens were lamenting for the dead body of the King, their loud cries were heard even from the abode of Yamarāja. Assuming the body of a boy, Yamarāja personally approached the relatives of the dead body and advised them as follows.
• The Material Creation Is the Plaything of the Lordplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.39
  
  The boy addressed the women: O weak women! Only by the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is never diminished, is the entire world created, maintained and again annihilated. This is the verdict of the Vedic knowledge. This material creation, consisting of the moving and nonmoving, is exactly like His plaything. Being the Supreme Lord, He is completely competent to destroy and protect.
• The Encaged Living Entity Is Separate from the Bodyplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.43
  
  As fire, although situated in wood, is perceived to be different from the wood, as air, although situated within the mouth and nostrils, is perceived to be separate, and as the sky, although all-pervading, never mixes with anything, so the living entity, although now encaged within the material body, of which it is the source, is separate from it.
• Yamaraja Tells the Story of the Two Kulinga Birdsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.50
  
  There was once a hunter who lured birds with food and captured them after spreading a net. He lived as if appointed by death personified as the killer of the birds.
• Hiranyaksa's Wife and Mother Forget Their Griefplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.2.61
  
  Śrī Nārada Muni continued: Diti, the mother of Hiraṇyakaśipu and Hiraṇyākṣa, heard the instructions of Hiraṇyakaśipu along with her daughter-in-law, Ruṣābhānu, Hiraṇyākṣa's wife. She then forgot her grief over her son's death and thus engaged her mind and attention in understanding the real philosophy of life.

CHAPTER THREE

Hiranyakasipu’s Plan to Become Immortal

• Summary of the Chapterplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.3: Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Plan to Become Immortal
  
  Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Plan to Become Immortal
  
  This chapter describes how Hiraṇyakaśipu performed a severe type of austerity for material benefit, thus causing great distress throughout the universe. Even Lord Brahmā, the chief personality within this universe, became somewhat disturbed and personally went to see why Hiraṇyakaśipu was engaged in such a severe austerity.
• Hiranyakasipu Begins His Severe Austeritiesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.3.1
  
  Nārada Muni said to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira: The demoniac king Hiraṇyakaśipu wanted to be unconquerable and free from old age and dwindling of the body. He wanted to gain all the yogic perfections like aṇimā and laghimā, to be deathless, and to be the only king of the entire universe, including Brahmaloka.
• The Demigods Inform Brahma of Hiranyakasipu’s Intentionsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.3.6
  
  Scorched and extremely disturbed because of Hiraṇyakaśipu's severe penances, all the demigods left the planets where they reside and went to the planet of Lord Brahmā, where they informed the creator as follows: O lord of the demigods, O master of the universe, because of the fire emanating from Hiraṇyakaśipu's head as a result of his severe austerities, we have become so disturbed that we could not stay in our planets but have come to you.
• Brahma, Struck with Wonder, Addresses Hiranyakasipuplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.3.15-16
  
  Lord Brahmā, who is carried by a swan airplane, at first could not see where Hiraṇyakaśipu was, for Hiraṇyakaśipu's body was covered by an anthill and by grass and bamboo sticks. Because Hiraṇyakaśipu had been there for a long time, the ants had devoured his skin, fat, flesh and blood. Then Lord Brahmā and the demigods spotted him, resembling a cloud—covered sun, heating all the world by his austerity. Struck with wonder, Lord Brahmā began to smile and then addressed him as follows.
• Hiranyakasipu’s Body Is Revitalized by Brahmaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.3.22
  
  Śrī Nārada Muni continued: After speaking these words to Hiraṇyakaśipu, Lord Brahmā, the original being of this universe, who is extremely powerful, sprinkled transcendental, infallible, spiritual water from his kamaṇḍalu upon Hiraṇyakaśipu's body, which had been eaten away by ants and moths. Thus he enlivened Hiraṇyakaśipu.
• Hiranyakasipu Prays in a Humble Moodplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.3.25
  
  Then, getting up from the ground and seeing Lord Brahmā before him, the head of the Daityas was overwhelmed by jubilation. With tears in his eyes, his whole body shivering, he began praying in a humble mood, with folded hands and a faltering voice, to satisfy Lord Brahmā.
• The Benediction Asked by Hiranyakasipuplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.3.35
  
  O my lord, O best of the givers of benediction, if you will kindly grant me the benediction I desire, please let me not meet death from any of the living entities created by you.

CHAPTER FOUR

Hiranyakasipu Terrorizes the Universe

• Summary of the Chapterplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.4: Hiraṇyakaśipu Terrorizes the Universe
  
  Hiraṇyakaśipu Terrorizes the Universe
  
  This chapter fully describes how Hiraṇyakaśipu obtained power from Lord Brahmā and misused it by harassing all the living entities within this universe.
  
  By severe austerities, Hiraṇyakaśipu satisfied Lord Brahmā and obtained the benedictions he desired. After he received these benedictions, his body, which had been almost entirely consumed, was revived with full beauty and a luster like gold. Nonetheless, he continued to be envious of Lord Viṣṇu, unable to…
• Brahma Benedicts Hiranyakasipuplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.1
  
  Nārada Muni continued: Lord Brahmā was very much satisfied by Hiraṇyakaśipu's austerities, which were difficult to perform. Therefore, when solicited for benedictions, he indeed granted them, although they were rarely to be achieved.
• Hiranyakasipu Conquers the Entire Universeplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.5-7
  
  Hiraṇyakaśipu became the conqueror of the entire universe. Indeed, that great demon conquered all the planets in the three worlds-upper, middle and lower-including the planets of the human beings, the Gandharvas, the Garuḍas, the great serpents, the Siddhas, Cāraṇas and Vidyādharas, the great saints, Yamarāja, the Manus, the Yakṣas, the Rākṣasas, the Piśācas and their masters, and the masters of the ghosts and Bhūtas. He defeated the rulers of all the other planets where there are living entities and brought them under his control. Conquering the abodes of all, he seized their power and influence.
• The Opulence of Indra’s Residenceplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.9-12
  
  The steps of King Indra's residence were made of coral, the floor was bedecked with invaluable emeralds, the walls were of crystal, and the columns of vaidūrya stone. The wonderful canopies were beautifully decorated, the seats were bedecked with rubies, and the silk bedding, as white as foam, was decorated with pearls. The ladies of the palace, who were blessed with beautiful teeth and the most wonderfully beautiful faces, walked here and there in the palace, their ankle bells tinkling melodiously, and saw their own beautiful reflections in the gems. The demigods, however, being very much oppressed, had to bow down and offer obeisances at the feet of Hiraṇyakaśipu, who chastised the demigods very severely and for no reason. Thus Hiraṇyakaśipu lived in the palace and severely ruled everyone.
• Hiranykasipu Is Worshiped by Everyoneplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.14
  
  O Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, descendant of Pāṇḍu, by dint of his personal power, Hiraṇyakaśipu, being situated on the throne of King Indra, controlled the inhabitants of all the other planets. The two Gandharvas Viśvāvasu and Tumburu, I myself and the Vidyādharas, Apsarās and sages all offered prayers to him again and again just to glorify him.
• Hiranyakasipu Remains a Servant of His Sensesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.19
  
  In spite of achieving the power to control in all directions and in spite of enjoying all types of dear sense gratification as much as possible, Hiraṇyakaśipu was dissatisfied because instead of controlling his senses he remained their servant.
• The Universal Rulers Surrender to Visnuplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.21
  
  Everyone, including the rulers of the various planets, was extremely distressed because of the severe punishment inflicted upon them by Hiraṇyakaśipu. Fearful and disturbed, unable to find any other shelter, they at last surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu.
• The Voice of the Lord Drives Away All Fearplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.24
  
  Then there appeared before them a transcendental sound vibration, emanating from a personality not visible to material eyes. The voice was as grave as the sound of a cloud, and it was very encouraging, driving away all fear.
• The Glorious Qualities of Prahlada Maharajaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.31-32
  
  [The qualities of Mahārāja Prahlāda, the son of Hiraṇyakaśipu, are described herewith.] He was completely cultured as a qualified brāhmaṇa, having very good character and being determined to understand the Absolute Truth. He had full control of his senses and mind. Like the Supersoul, he was kind to every living entity and was the best friend of everyone. To respectable persons he acted exactly like a menial servant, to the poor he was like a father, to his equals he was attached like a sympathetic brother, and he considered his teachers, spiritual masters and older Godbrothers to be as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He was completely free from unnatural pride that might have arisen from his good education, riches, beauty, aristocracy and so on.
• Ecstatic Symptoms Manifest by Prahladaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.39
  
  Because of advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he sometimes cried, sometimes laughed, sometimes expressed jubilation and sometimes sang loudly.
• Hiranyakasipu Torments His Own Sonplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.4.43
  
  My dear King Yudhiṣṭhira, the demon Hiraṇyakaśipu tormented this exalted, fortunate devotee, although Prahlāda was his own son.

CHAPTER FIVE

Prahlada Maharaja, the Saintly Son of Hiranyakasipu

• Summary of the Chapterplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.5: Prahlāda Mahārāja, the Saintly Son of Hiraṇyakaśipu
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja, the Saintly Son of Hiraṇyakaśipu
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja did not carry out the orders of his teachers, for he was always engaged in worshiping Lord Viṣṇu. As described in this chapter, Hiraṇyakaśipu tried to kill Prahlāda Mahārāja, even by having a snake bite him and by putting him under the feet of elephants, yet he was unsuccessful.
• The Demons Accept Sukracarya as Their Priestplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.1
  
  The great saint Nārada Muni said: The demons, headed by Hiraṇyakaśipu, accepted Śukrācārya as their priest for ritualistic ceremonies. Śukrācārya's two sons, Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, lived near Hiraṇyakaśipu's palace.
• Prahlada Instructs the King of the Demonsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.5
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja replied: O best of the asuras, King of the demons, as far as I have learned from my spiritual master, any person who has accepted a temporary body and temporary household life is certainly embarrassed by anxiety because of having fallen in a dark well where there is no water but only suffering. One should give up this position and go to the forest [vana]. More clearly, one should go to Vṛndāvana, where only Kṛṣṇa consciousness is prevalent, and should thus take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
• Prahlada Is Faithful to His Father’s Enemiesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.6
  
  Nārada Muni continued: When Prahlāda Mahārāja spoke about the path of self-realization in devotional service, thus being faithful to the camp of his father's enemies, Hiraṇyakaśipu, the King of the demons, heard Prahlāda's words and he laughingly said, "Thus is the intelligence of children spoiled by the words of the enemy."
• The Priests of the Demons Pacify Prahladaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.8
  
  When Hiraṇyakaśipu's servants brought the boy Prahlāda back to the guru-kula [the place where the brāhmaṇas taught the boys], the priests of the demons, Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, pacified him. With very mild voices and affectionate words, they inquired from him as follows.
• Prahlada Is Chastised by His Teachersplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.15
  
  The great saint Nārada Muni continued: The great soul Prahlāda Mahārāja became silent after saying this to his teachers, Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, the seminal sons of Śukrācārya. These so-called brāhmaṇas then became angry at him. Because they were servants of Hiraṇyakaśipu, they were very sorry, and to chastise Prahlāda Mahārāja they spoke as follows.
• Visnu Is the Axe for Cutting Down Demonsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.17
  
  This rascal Prahlāda has appeared like a thorn tree in a forest of sandalwood. To cut down sandalwood trees, an axe is needed, and the wood of the thorn tree is very suitable for the handle of such an axe. Lord Viṣṇu is the axe for cutting down the sandalwood forest of the family of demons, and this Prahlāda is the handle for that axe.
• The Nine Processes of Devotional Serviceplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.23-24
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Viṣṇu, remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one's best friend, and surrendering everything unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words)—these nine processes are accepted as pure devotional service. One who has dedicated his life to the service of Kṛṣṇa through these nine methods should be understood to be the most learned person, for he has acquired complete knowledge.
• Hiranyakasipu Becomes Angry at His Sonplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.25
  
  After hearing these words of devotional service from the mouth of his son Prahlāda, Hiraṇyakaśipu was extremely angry. His lips trembling, he spoke as follows to Ṣaṇḍa the son of his guru, Śukrācārya.
• Materialists Repeatedly Chew the Chewedplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.30
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja replied: Because of their uncontrolled senses, persons too addicted to materialistic life make progress toward hellish conditions and repeatedly chew that which has already been chewed. Their inclinations toward Kṛṣṇa are never aroused, either by the instructions of others, by their own efforts, or by a combination of both.
• Hiranyakasipu Orders the Death of Prahladaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.34
  
  Indignant and angry, his reddish eyes like molten copper, Hiraṇyakaśipu said to his servants: O demons, take this boy away from me! He deserves to be killed. Kill him as soon as possible!
• The Demons Begin to Torture Prahladaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.39-40
  
  The demons [Rākṣasas], the servants of Hiraṇyakaśipu, thus began striking the tender parts of Prahlāda Mahārāja's body with their tridents. The demons all had fearful faces, sharp teeth and reddish, coppery beards and hair, and they appeared extremely threatening. Making a tumultuous sound, shouting, "Chop him up! Pierce him!" they began striking Prahlāda Mahārāja, who sat silently, meditating upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
• Prahlada Is Unaffected by the Treacheries of His Fatherplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.45
  
  Hiraṇyakaśipu thought: I have used many ill names in chastising this boy Prahlāda and have devised many means of killing him, but despite all my endeavors, he could not be killed. Indeed, he saved himself by his own powers, without being affected in the least by these treacherous and abominable actions.
• Prahlada Instructs His Class Friendsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.5.55
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja, who was truly the supreme learned person, then addressed his class friends in very sweet language. Smiling, he began to teach them about the uselessness of the materialistic way of life. Being very kind to them, he instructed them as follows.

CHAPTER SIX

Prahlada Instructs His Demoniac Schoolmates

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.6: Prahlāda Instructs His Demoniac Schoolmates
  
  Prahlāda Instructs His Demoniac Schoolmates
  
  This chapter describes Prahlāda Mahārāja’s instructions to his class friends. In speaking to his friends, who were all sons of demons, Prahlāda Mahārāja stressed that every living entity, especially in human society, must be interested in spiritual realization from the very beginning of life. When human beings are children, they should be taught that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the worshipable Deity for everyone. One should not be very much …
• Teach Every Child Krsna Consciousnessplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.1
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja said: One who is sufficiently intelligent should use the human form of body from the very beginning of life—in other words, from the tender age of childhood—to practice the activities of devotional service, giving up all other engagements. The human body is most rarely achieved, and although temporary like other bodies, it is meaningful because in human life one can perform devotional service. Even a slight amount of sincere devotional service can give one complete perfection.
• Bodily Pleasure Is Available in Any Species of Lifeplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.3
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja continued: My dear friends born of demoniac families, the happiness perceived with reference to the sense objects by contact with the body can be obtained in any form of life, according to one's past fruitive activities. Such happiness is automatically obtained without endeavor, just as we obtain distress.
• Economic Development Is Worthlessplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.4
  
  Endeavors merely for sense gratification or material happiness through economic development are not to be performed, for they result only in a loss of time and energy, with no actual profit. If one's endeavors are directed toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one can surely attain the spiritual platform of self-realization. There is no such benefit from engaging oneself in economic development.
• How to Waste Your Lifeplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.7
  
  In the tender age of childhood, when everyone is bewildered, one passes ten years. Similarly, in boyhood, engaged in sporting and playing, one passes another ten years. In this way, twenty years are wasted. Similarly, in old age, when one is an invalid, unable to perform even material activities, one passes another twenty years wastefully.
• The Ropes of Family Affectionplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.9
  
  What person too attached to household life due to being unable to control his senses can liberate himself? An attached householder is bound very strongly by ropes of affection for his family [wife, children and other relatives].
• Money Is Sweeter than Honeyplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.10
  
  Money is so dear that one conceives of money as being sweeter than honey. Therefore, who can give up the desire to accumulate money, especially in household life? Thieves, professional servants [soldiers] and merchants try to acquire money even by risking their very dear lives.
• The Almighty Tongue and Genitalsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.11-13
  
  How can a person who is most affectionate to his family, the core of his heart being always filled with their pictures, give up their association? Specifically, a wife is always very kind and sympathetic and always pleases her husband in a solitary place. Who could give up the association of such a dear and affectionate wife? Small children talk in broken language, very pleasing to hear, and their affectionate father always thinks of their sweet words. How could he give up their association? One's elderly parents and one's sons and daughters are also very dear. A daughter is especially dear to her father, and while living at her husband's house she is always in his mind. Who could give up that association? Aside from this, in household affairs there are many decorated items of household furniture, and there are also animals and servants. Who could give up such comforts? The attached householder is like a silkworm, which weaves a cocoon in which it becomes imprisoned, unable to get out. Simply for the satisfaction of two important senses—the genitals and the tongue—one is bound by material conditions. How can one escape?
• Educated Cats and Dogsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.16
  
  O my friends, sons of demons! In this material world, even those who are apparently advanced in education have the propensity to consider, "This is mine, and that is for others." Thus they are always engaged in providing the necessities of life to their families in a limited conception of family life, just like uneducated cats and dogs. They are unable to take to spiritual knowledge; instead, they are bewildered and overcome by ignorance.
• Dancing Dogs in the Hands of Womenplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.17-18
  
  My dear friends, O sons of the demons, it is certain that no one bereft of knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead has been able to liberate himself from material bondage at any time or in any country. Rather, those bereft of knowledge of the Lord are bound by the material laws. They are factually addicted to sense gratification, and their target is woman. Indeed, they are actually playthings in the hands of attractive women. Victimized by such a conception of life, they become surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and thus they are shackled to material bondage. Those who are very much addicted to this conception of life are called demons. Therefore, although you are sons of demons, keep aloof from such persons and take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa, the origin of all the demigods, because the ultimate goal for the devotees of Nārāyaṇa is liberation from the bondage of material existence.
• To the Atheist the Lord Appears Nonexistentplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.20-23
  
  The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the supreme controller, who is infallible and indefatigable, is present in different forms of life, from the inert living beings [sthāvara], such as the plants, to Brahmā, the foremost created living being. He is also present in the varieties of material creations and in the material elements, the total material energy and the modes of material nature [sattva-guṇa, rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa], as well as the unmanifested material nature and the false ego. Although He is one, He is present everywhere, and He is also the transcendental Supersoul, the cause of all causes, who is present as the observer in the cores of the hearts of all living entities. He is indicated as that which is pervaded and as the all-pervading Supersoul, but actually He cannot be indicated. He is changeless and undivided. He is simply perceived as the supreme sac-cid-ānanda [eternity, knowledge and bliss]. Being covered by the curtain of the external energy, to the atheist He appears nonexistent.
• Nothing Is Unobtainable for Devoteesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.25
  
  Nothing is unobtainable for devotees who have satisfied the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the cause of all causes, the original source of everything. The Lord is the reservoir of unlimited spiritual qualities. For devotees, therefore, who are transcendental to the modes of material nature, what is the use of following the principles of religion, economic development, sense gratification and liberation, which are all automatically obtainable under the influence of the modes of nature? We devotees always glorify the lotus feet of the Lord, and therefore we need not ask for anything in terms of dharma, kāma, artha and mokṣa.
• Surrendering to Krsna Is Transcendentalplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.26
  
  Religion, economic development and sense gratification—these are described in the Vedas as tri-varga, or three ways to salvation. Within these three categories are education and self-realization; ritualistic ceremonies performed according to Vedic injunction; logic; the science of law and order; and the various means of earning one's livelihood. These are the external subject matters of study in the Vedas, and therefore I consider them material. However, I consider surrender to the lotus feet of Lord Viṣṇu to be transcendental.
• Transcendental Knowledge Is Difficult to Understandplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.6.27
  
  Nārāyaṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the well-wisher and friend of all living entities, formerly explained this transcendental knowledge to the great saint Nārada. Such knowledge is extremely difficult to understand without the mercy of a saintly person like Nārada, but everyone who has taken shelter of Nārada's disciplic succession can understand this confidential knowledge.

CHAPTER SEVEN

What Prahlada Learned in the Womb

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.7: What Prahlāda Learned in the Womb
  
  What Prahlāda Learned in the Womb
  
  In this chapter, to dissipate the doubts of his class friends, the sons of the demons, Prahlāda Mahārāja states how, within the womb of his mother, he had heard from the mouth of Nārada Muni, who had instructed him in
• The Demigods Plunder the Demonsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.4-5
  
  When the great leaders of the demons, who were being killed one after another, saw the unprecedented exertion of the demigods in fighting, they began to flee, scattering themselves in all directions. Simply to protect their lives, they hastily fled from their homes, wives, children, animals and household paraphernalia. Paying no heed to all these, the demons simply fled.
• Narada Saves the Unborn Hero, Prahladaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.11
  
  When the great saint Nārada Muni had thus spoken, King Indra, being respectful to Nārada's words, immediately released my mother. Because of my being a devotee of the Lord, all the demigods circumambulated her. Then they returned to their celestial kingdom.
• Prahlada Hears from Narada While in the Wombplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.15
  
  Nārada Muni delivered his instructions both to me, who was within the womb, and to my mother, who was engaged in rendering him service. Because he is naturally extremely kind to the fallen souls, being in a transcendental position, he gave instructions on religion and transcendental knowledge. These instructions were free from all material contamination.
• Both the Lord and We Are Conscious Individualsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.19-20
  
  "Ātmā" refers to the Supreme Lord or the living entities. Both of them are spiritual, free from birth and death, free from deterioration and free from material contamination. They are individual, they are the knowers of the external body, and they are the foundation or shelter of everything. They are free from material change, they are self-illuminated, they are the cause of all causes, and they are all-pervading. They have nothing to do with the material body, and therefore they are always uncovered. With these transcendental qualities, one who is actually learned must give up the illusory conception of life, in which one thinks, "I am this material body, and everything in relationship with this body is mine."
• How to Extract the Spirit Soulplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.21
  
  An expert geologist can understand where there is gold and by various processes can extract it from the gold ore. Similarly, a spiritually advanced person can understand how the spiritual particle exists within the body, and thus by cultivating spiritual knowledge he can attain perfection in spiritual life. However, as one who is not expert cannot understand where there is gold, a foolish person who has not cultivated spiritual knowledge cannot understand how the spirit exists within the body.
• All Sober Persons Should Search for the Soulplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.21
  
  An expert geologist can understand where there is gold and by various processes can extract it from the gold ore. Similarly, a spiritually advanced person can understand how the spiritual particle exists within the body, and thus by cultivating spiritual knowledge he can attain perfection in spiritual life. However, as one who is not expert cannot understand where there is gold, a foolish person who has not cultivated spiritual knowledge cannot understand how the spirit exists within the body.
• The Chains of Polluted Intelligenceplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.27
  
  Through polluted intelligence one is subjected to the modes of nature, and thus one is conditioned by material existence. Like a dreaming state in which one falsely suffers, material existence, which is due to ignorance, must be considered unwanted and temporary.
• Accept and Serve the Bona Fide Guruplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.30-31
  
  One must accept the bona fide spiritual master and render service unto him with great devotion and faith. Whatever one has in one's possession should be offered to the spiritual master, and in the association of saintly persons and devotees one should worship the Lord, hear the glories of the Lord with faith, glorify the transcendental qualities and activities of the Lord, always meditate on the Lord's lotus feet, and worship the Deity of the Lord strictly according to the injunctions of the śāstra and guru.
• Going to Hell Requires Great Endeavorplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.38
  
  O my friends, sons of the asuras, the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His Supersoul feature always exists within the cores of the hearts of all living entities. Indeed, He is the well-wisher and friend of all living entities, and there is no difficulty in worshiping the Lord. Why, then, should people not engage in His devotional service? Why are they so addicted to unnecessarily producing artificial paraphernalia for sense gratification?
• Attempts for Happiness Always Yield Distressplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.42
  
  In this material world, every materialist desires to achieve happiness and diminish his distress, and therefore he acts accordingly. Actually, however, one is happy as long as one does not endeavor for happiness; as soon as one begins his activities for happiness, his conditions of distress begin.
• Today's Actions Create Your Future Bodyplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.47
  
  The living entity, who has received his present body because of his past fruitive activity, may end the results of his actions in this life, but this does not mean that he is liberated from bondage to material bodies. The living entity receives one type of body, and by performing actions with that body he creates another. Thus he transmigrates from one body to another, through repeated birth and death, because of his gross ignorance.
• Seeing Krsna Everywhere Is the Ultimate Goalplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.7.55
  
  In this material world, to render service to the lotus feet of Govinda, the cause of all causes, and to see Him everywhere, is the only goal of life. This much alone is the ultimate goal of human life, as explained by all the revealed scriptures.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lord Nrsimhadeva Slays the King of the Demons

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.8: Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva Slays the King of the Demons
  
  As described in this chapter, Hiraṇyakaśipu was ready to kill his own son Prahlāda Mahārāja, but the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared in front of the demon as Śrī Nṛkeśarī, half lion and half man, and killed him.
• Hiranyakasipu Decides to Kill His Son Prahladaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.8.3-4
  
  When Hiraṇyakaśipu understood the entire situation, he was extremely angry, so much so that his body trembled. Thus he finally decided to kill his son Prahlāda. Hiraṇyakaśipu was by nature very cruel, and feeling insulted, he began hissing like a snake trampled upon by someone's foot. His son Prahlāda was peaceful, mild and gentle, his senses were under control, and he stood before Hiraṇyakaśipu with folded hands. According to Prahlāda's age and behavior, he was not to be chastised. Yet with staring, crooked eyes, Hiraṇyakaśipu rebuked him with the following harsh words.
• Prahlada Preaches to His Fatherplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.8.7
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja said: My dear King, the source of my strength, of which you are asking, is also the source of yours. Indeed, the original source of all kinds of strength is one. He is not only your strength or mine, but the only strength for everyone. Without Him, no one can get any strength. Whether moving or not moving, superior or inferior, everyone, including Lord Brahmā, is controlled by the strength of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
• If God Is Everywhere, Why Can’t I See Himplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.8.12
  
  O most unfortunate Prahlāda, you have always described a supreme being other than me, a supreme being who is above everything, who is the controller of everyone, and who is all-pervading. But where is He? If He is everywhere, then why is He not present before me in this pillar?
• Lord Nrsimhadeva Emerges from a Pillarplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.8.17
  
  To prove that the statement of His servant Prahlāda Mahārāja was substantial—in other words, to prove that the Supreme Lord is present everywhere, even within the pillar of an assembly hall—the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, exhibited a wonderful form never before seen. The form was neither that of a man nor that of a lion. Thus the Lord appeared in His wonderful form in the assembly hall.
• Description of Lord Nrsimhadeva's Formplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.8.19-22
  
  Hiraṇyakaśipu studied the form of the Lord, trying to decide who the form of Nṛsiṁhadeva standing before him was. The Lord's form was extremely fearsome because of His angry eyes, which resembled molten gold; His shining mane, which expanded the dimensions of His fearful face; His deadly teeth; and His razor-sharp tongue, which moved about like a dueling sword. His ears were erect and motionless, and His nostrils and gaping mouth appeared like caves of a mountain. His jaws parted fearfully, and His entire body touched the sky. His neck was very short and thick, His chest broad, His waist thin, and the hairs on His body as white as the rays of the moon. His arms, which resembled flanks of soldiers, spread in all directions as He killed the demons, rogues and atheists with His conchshell, disc, club, lotus and other natural weapons.
• The Lord Tears Hiranyakasipu to Piecesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.8.29
  
  As a snake captures a mouse or Garuḍa captures a very venomous snake, Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva captured Hiraṇyakaśipu, who could not be pierced even by the thunderbolt of King Indra. As Hiraṇyakaśipu moved his limbs here, there and all around, very much afflicted at being captured, Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva placed the demon on His lap, supporting him with His thighs, and in the doorway of the assembly hall the Lord very easily tore the demon to pieces with the nails of His hand.
• The Demigods Offer Prayers to Lord Nrsimhadevaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.8.37-39
  
  My dear King Yudhiṣṭhira, the demigods then approached the Lord. They were headed by Lord Brahmā, King Indra and Lord Śiva and included great saintly persons and the residents of Pitṛloka, Siddhaloka, Vidyādhara-loka and the planet of the snakes. The Manus approached, and so did the chiefs of various other planets. The angelic dancers approached, as did the Gandharvas, the Cāraṇas, the Yakṣas, the inhabitants of Kinnaraloka, the Vetālas, the inhabitants of Kimpuruṣa-loka, and the personal servants of Viṣṇu like Sunanda and Kumuda. All of them came near the Lord, who glowed with intense light. They individually offered their obeisances and prayers, their hands folded at their heads.

CHAPTER NINE

Prahlada Pacifies Lord Nrsimhadeva with Prayers

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.9: Prahlāda Pacifies Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva with Prayers
  
  Prahlāda Pacifies Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva with Prayers
  
  As related in this chapter, Prahlāda Mahārāja, following the order of Lord Brahmā, pacified the Lord when the Lord was extremely angry after having killed Hiraṇyakaśipu.
  
  After Hiraṇyakaśipu was killed, the Lord continued to be very angry, and the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmā, could not pacify Him. Even mother Lakṣmī, the goddess of fortune, the constant companion of Nārāyaṇa, could not dare come before Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva. Then Lord Brahmā asked …
• Prahlada Approaches Lord Nrsimhadevaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.5
  
  When Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva saw the small boy Prahlāda Mahārāja prostrated at the soles of His lotus feet, He became most ecstatic in affection toward His devotee. Raising Prahlāda, the Lord placed His lotus hand upon the boy's head because His hand is always ready to create fearlessness in all of His devotees.
• Prahlada’s Prayers to the Lordplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.8
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja prayed: How is it possible for me, who have been born in a family of asuras, to offer suitable prayers to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead? Even until now, all the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmā, and all the saintly persons could not satisfy the Lord by streams of excellent words, although such persons are very qualified, being in the mode of goodness. Then what is to be said of me? I am not at all qualified.
• Even a Dog-eater Who Becomes a Devotee Is Exaltedplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.10
  
  If a brāhmaṇa has all twelve of the brahminical qualifications [as they are stated in the book called Sanat-sujāta] but is not a devotee and is averse to the lotus feet of the Lord, he is certainly lower than a devotee who is a dog-eater but who has dedicated everything—mind, words, activities, wealth and life—to the Supreme Lord. Such a devotee is better than such a brāhmaṇa because the devotee can purify his whole family, whereas the so-called brāhmaṇa in a position of false prestige cannot purify even himself.
• The Lord Incarnates for His Own Pleasureplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.13
  
  O my Lord, all the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmā, are sincere servants of Your Lordship, who are situated in a transcendental position. Therefore they are not like us [Prahlāda and his father, the demon Hiraṇyakaśipu]. Your appearance in this fearsome form is Your pastime for Your own pleasure. Such an incarnation is always meant for the protection and improvement of the universe.
• So-called Remedies Are Worse than the Diseasesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.17
  
  O great one, O Supreme Lord, because of combination with pleasing and displeasing circumstances and because of separation from them, one is placed in a most regrettable position, within heavenly or hellish planets, as if burning in a fire of lamentation. Although there are many remedies by which to get out of miserable life, any such remedies in the material world are more miserable than the miseries themselves. Therefore I think that the only remedy is to engage in Your service. Kindly instruct me in such service.
• Scientists and Politicians Can Never Save Usplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.19
  
  My Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, O Supreme, because of a bodily conception of life, embodied souls neglected and not cared for by You cannot do anything for their betterment. Whatever remedies they accept, although perhaps temporarily beneficial, are certainly impermanent. For example, a father and mother cannot protect their child, a physician and medicine cannot relieve a suffering patient, and a boat on the ocean cannot protect a drowning man.
• Future Happiness Is Only a Mirageplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.26
  
  O my Lord, O Supreme, because I was born in a family full of the hellish material qualities of passion and ignorance, what is my position? And what is to be said of Your causeless mercy, which was never offered even to Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva or the goddess of fortune, Lakṣmī? You never put Your lotus hand upon their heads, but You have put it upon mine.
• Our First Duty Is to Serve the Guruplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.28
  
  My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because of my association with material desires, one after another, I was gradually falling into a blind well full of snakes, following the general populace. But Your servant Nārada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore, my first duty is to serve him. How could I leave his service?
• The Lord’s Mystic Slumberplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.32
  
  O my Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, after the annihilation the creative energy is kept in You, who appear to sleep with half-closed eyes. Actually, however, You do not sleep like an ordinary human being, for You are always in a transcendental stage, beyond the creation of the material world, and You always feel transcendental bliss. As Kāraṇodakaśāyī Viṣṇu, You thus remain in Your transcendental status, not touching material objects. Although You appear to sleep, this sleeping is distinct from sleeping in ignorance.
• In This Age the Lord Does Not Assert Himselfplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.38
  
  In this way, my Lord, You appear in various incarnations as a human being, an animal, a great saint, a demigod, a fish or a tortoise, thus maintaining the entire creation in different planetary systems and killing the demoniac principles. According to the age, O my Lord, You protect the principles of religion. In the age of Kali, however, You do not assert Yourself as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and therefore You are known as Triyuga, or the Lord who appears in three yugas.
• The Senses Are like Many Wivesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.40
  
  My dear Lord, O infallible one, my position is like that of a person who has many wives, all trying to attract him in their own way. For example, the tongue is attracted to palatable dishes, the genitals to sex with an attractive woman, and the sense of touch to contact with soft things. The belly, although filled, still wants to eat more, and the ear, not attempting to hear about You, is generally attracted to cinema songs. The sense of smell is attracted to yet another side, the restless eyes are attracted to scenes of sense gratification, and the active senses are attracted elsewhere. In this way I am certainly embarrassed.
• Help Save the Fools and Rascalsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.43
  
  O best of the great personalities, I am not at all afraid of material existence, for wherever I stay I am fully absorbed in thoughts of Your glories and activities. My concern is only for the fools and rascals who are making elaborate plans for material happiness and maintaining their families, societies and countries. I am simply concerned with love for them.
• Meditating in Seclusion Is Condemnedplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.44
  
  My dear Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, I see that there are many saintly persons indeed, but they are interested only in their own deliverance. Not caring for the big cities and towns, they go to the Himalayas or the forest to meditate with vows of silence [mauna-vrata]. They are not interested in delivering others. As for me, however, I do not wish to be liberated alone, leaving aside all these poor fools and rascals. I know that without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, without taking shelter of Your lotus feet, one cannot be happy. Therefore I wish to bring them back to shelter at Your lotus feet.
• Tolerate the Sex Itch, Avoid So Much Sufferingplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.45
  
  Sex life is compared to the rubbing of two hands to relieve an itch. Gṛhamedhis, so-called gṛhasthas who have no spiritual knowledge, think that this itching is the greatest platform of happiness, although actually it is a source of distress. The kṛpaṇas, the fools who are just the opposite of brāhmaṇas, are not satisfied by repeated sensuous enjoyment. Those who are dhīra, however, who are sober and who tolerate this itching, are not subjected to the sufferings of fools and rascals.
• The Lord Gives Up His Angerplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.51
  
  The great saint Nārada said: Thus Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva was pacified by the devotee Prahlāda Mahārāja with prayers offered from the transcendental platform. The Lord gave up His anger, and being very kind to Prahlāda, who was offering prostrated obeisances, He spoke as follows.
• Devotees Refuse Material Benefitsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.9.55
  
  Nārada Muni said: Prahlāda Mahārāja was the best person in the family of asuras, who always aspire for material happiness. Nonetheless, although allured by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who offered him all benedictions for material happiness, because of his unalloyed Kṛṣṇa consciousness he did not want to take any material benefit for sense gratification.

CHAPTER TEN

Prahlada, the Best Among Exalted Devotees

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.10: Prahlāda, the Best Among Exalted Devotees
  
  Prahlāda, the Best Among Exalted Devotees
  
  This chapter describes how the Supreme Personality of Godhead Nṛsiṁhadeva disappeared, after pleasing Prahlāda Mahārāja. It also describes a benediction given by Lord Śiva.
  
  Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva wanted to bestow benedictions upon Prahlāda Mahārāja, one after another, but Prahlāda Mahārāja, thinking them impediments on the path of spiritual progress, did not accept any of them. Instead, he fully surrendered at the Lord
• Devotees Fear Materialistic Lifeplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.2
  
  Prahlāda Mahārāja said: My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, because I was born in an atheistic family I am naturally attached to material enjoyment. Therefore, kindly do not tempt me with these illusions. I am very much afraid of material conditions, and I desire to be liberated from materialistic life. It is for this reason that I have taken shelter of Your lotus feet.
• Serving the Lord for Material Profitplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.4
  
  Otherwise, O my Lord, O supreme instructor of the entire world, You are so kind to Your devotee that You could not induce him to do something unbeneficial for him. On the other hand, one who desires some material benefit in exchange for devotional service cannot be Your pure devotee. Indeed, he is no better than a merchant who wants profit in exchange for service.
• Krsna Is Naturally Our Masterplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.6
  
  O my Lord, I am Your unmotivated servant, and You are my eternal master. There is no need of our being anything other than master and servant. You are naturally my master, and I am naturally Your servant. We have no other relationship.
• The Lord Orders Prahlada to Rule the Demonsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.11
  
  The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Prahlāda, a devotee like you never desires any kind of material opulences, either in this life or in the next. Nonetheless, I order you to enjoy the opulences of the demons in this material world, acting as their king until the end of the duration of time occupied by Manu.
• Exalted Devotees Purify Entire Nationsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.19
  
  Whenever and wherever there are peaceful, equipoised devotees who are well behaved and decorated with all good qualities, that place and the dynasties there, even if condemned, are purified.
• Lord Brahma Prays to Lord Nrsimhadevaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.25
  
  Lord Brahmā, surrounded by the other demigods, was bright-faced because the Lord was pleased. Thus he offered prayers to the Lord with transcendental words.
• The Three Births of Jaya and Vijayaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.35
  
  Thus the two associates of Lord Viṣṇu who had become Hiraṇyākṣa and Hiraṇyakaśipu, the sons of Diti, were both killed. By illusion they had thought that the Supreme Lord, who is situated in everyone's heart, was their enemy.
• Attentive Hearers Will Attain the Spiritual Worldplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.46
  
  One who hears and chants this narration about the omnipotence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu, is certainly liberated from material bondage without fail.
• The Absolute Truth Is a Personplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.49
  
  The impersonal Brahman is Kṛṣṇa Himself because Kṛṣṇa is the source of the impersonal Brahman. He is the origin of the transcendental bliss sought by great saintly persons, yet He, the Supreme Person, is your most dear friend and constant well-wisher and is intimately related to you as the son of your maternal uncle. Indeed, He is always like your body and soul. He is worshipable, yet He acts as your servant and sometimes as your spiritual master.
• The Demoniac Genius, Maya Danavaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.54-55
  
  Maya Dānava, the great leader of the demons, prepared three invisible residences and gave them to the demons. These dwellings resembled airplanes made of gold, silver and iron, and they contained uncommon paraphernalia. My dear King Yudhiṣṭhira, because of these three dwellings the commanders of the demons remained invisible to the demigods. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the demons, remembering their former enmity, began to vanquish the three worlds—the upper, middle and lower planetary systems.
• Man Proposes, Krsna Disposesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.10.64
  
  Maya Dānava said: What has been destined by the Supreme Lord for oneself, for others, or for both oneself and others cannot be undone anywhere or by anyone, whether one be a demigod, a demon, a human being or anyone else.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The Perfect Society: Four Social Classes

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.11: The Perfect Society: Four Social Classes
  
  The Perfect Society: Four Social Classes
  
  This chapter describes the general principles by following which a human being, and specifically one who is interested in advancing in spiritual life, can become perfect.
  
  By hearing about the characteristics of Prahlāda Mahārāja, Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira became extremely pleased. Now he inquired from Nārada Muni about the actual religion of a human being and about special characteristics of
• Our Eternal Occupational Dutyplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.11.2
  
  Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira said: My dear lord, I wish to hear from you about the principles of religion by which one can attain the ultimate goal of life—devotional service. I wish to hear about the general occupational duties of human society and the system of social and spiritual advancement known as varṇāśrama-dharma.
• The Qualifications of a Human Beingplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.11.8-12
  
  These are the general principles to be followed by all human beings: truthfulness, mercy, austerity (observing fasts on certain days of the month), bathing twice a day, tolerance, discrimination between right and wrong, control of the mind, control of the senses, nonviolence, celibacy, charity, reading of scripture, simplicity, satisfaction, rendering service to saintly persons, gradually taking leave of unnecessary engagements, observing the futility of the unnecessary activities of human society, remaining silent and grave and avoiding unnecessary talk, considering whether one is the body or the soul, distributing food equally to all living entities (both men and animals), seeing every soul (especially in the human form) as a part of the Supreme Lord, hearing about the activities and instructions given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead (who is the shelter of the saintly persons), chanting about these activities and instructions, always remembering these activities and instructions, trying to render service, performing worship, offering obeisances, becoming a servant, becoming a friend, and surrendering one's whole self. O King Yudhiṣṭhira, these thirty qualifications must be acquired in the human form of life. Simply by acquiring these qualifications, one can satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
• The Intellectual, Administrative, Mercantile and Worker Classesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.11.14
  
  For a brāhmaṇa there are six occupational duties. A kṣatriya should not accept charity, but he may perform the other five of these duties. A king or kṣatriya is not allowed to levy taxes on brāhmaṇas, but he may make his livelihood by levying minimal taxes, customs duties, and penalty fines upon his other subjects.
• Chaste Women: A Social Necessityplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.11.25
  
  To render service to the husband, to be always favorably disposed toward the husband, to be equally well disposed toward the husband's relatives and friends, and to follow the vows of the husband—these are the four principles to be followed by women described as chaste.
• How to Divide Societyplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.11.35
  
  If one shows the symptoms of being a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra, as described above, even if he has appeared in a different class, he should be accepted according to those symptoms of classification.

CHAPTER TWELVE

The Perfect Society: Four Spiritual Classes

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.12: The Perfect Society: Four Spiritual Classes
  
  The Perfect Society: Four Spiritual Classes
  
  This chapter particularly describes the brahmacārī and the person in the vānaprastha stage, and it also gives a general description of the four āśramas-brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa.
• Brahmacari Life: Living under the Care of a Guruplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.12.1
  
  Nārada Muni said: A student should practice completely controlling his senses. He should be submissive and should have an attitude of firm friendship for the spiritual master. With a great vow, the brahmacārī should live at the guru-kula, only for the benefit of the guru.
• Women Are like Fire, Men Are the Butterplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.12.9
  
  Woman is compared to fire, and man is compared to a butter pot. Therefore a man should avoid associating even with his own daughter in a secluded place. Similarly, he should also avoid association with other women. One should associate with women only for important business and not otherwise.
• Understanding Vedic Knowledge Is Real Educationplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.12.13-14
  
  According to the rules and regulations mentioned above, one who is twice-born, namely a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya or vaiśya, should reside in the guru-kula under the care of the spiritual master. There he should study and learn all the Vedic literatures along with their supplements and the Upaniṣads, according to his ability and power to study. If possible, the student or disciple should reward the spiritual master with the remuneration the spiritual master requests, and then, following the master's order, the disciple should leave and accept one of the other āśramas, namely the gṛhastha-āśrama, vānaprastha-āśrama or sannyāsa-āśrama, as he desires.
• Vanaprastha Life: Preparing to Meet Deathplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.12.17
  
  O King, I shall now describe the qualifications for a vānaprastha, one who has retired from family life. By rigidly following the rules and regulations for the vānaprastha, one can easily be elevated to the upper planetary system known as Maharloka.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The Behavior of a Perfect Person

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.13: The Behavior of a Perfect Person
  
  The Behavior of a Perfect Person
  
  This Thirteenth Chapter describes the regulative principles for sannyāsīs and also describes the history of an avadhūta. It concludes with a description of perfection for the student in spiritual advancement.
  
  Śrī Nārada Muni has been describing the symptoms of various
• The Renounced Order of Lifeplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.13.2
  
  A person in the renounced order of life may try to avoid even a dress to cover himself. If he wears anything at all, it should be only a loincloth, and when there is no necessity, a sannyāsī should not even accept a daṇḍa. A sannyāsī should avoid carrying anything but a daṇḍa and kamaṇḍalu.
• Avoid Reading Mundane Literatureplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.13.7
  
  Literature that is a useless waste of time—in other words, literature without spiritual benefit—should be rejected. One should not become a professional teacher as a means of earning one's livelihood, nor should one indulge in arguments and counter-arguments. Nor should one take shelter of any cause or faction.
• Prahlada’s Conversation with a Perfect Sageplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.13.11
  
  As a historical example of this, learned sages recite the story of an ancient discussion between Prahlāda Mahārāja and a great saintly person who was feeding himself like a python.
• Only Humans Can Choose Their Next Bodyplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.13.25
  
  In the course of the evolutionary process, which is caused by fruitive activities due to undesirable material sense gratification, I have received this human form of life, which can lead to the heavenly planets, to liberation, to the lower species, or to rebirth among human beings.
• Sense Enjoyment Is Simply Imaginaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.13.27
  
  The actual form of life for the living entities is one of spiritual happiness, which is real happiness. This happiness can be achieved only when one stops all materialistic activities. Material sense enjoyment is simply imagination. Therefore, considering this subject matter, I have ceased from all material activities and am lying down here.
• The Threefold Miseriesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.13.31
  
  Materialistic activities are always mixed with three kinds of miserable conditions—adhyātmika, adhidaivika and adhibautika. Therefore, even if one achieves some success by performing such activities, what is the benefit of this success? One is still subjected to birth, death, old age, disease and the reactions of his fruitive activities.
• The Bee and Python Are Excellent Teachersplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.13.35
  
  The bee and the python are two excellent spiritual masters who give us exemplary instructions regarding how to be satisfied by collecting only a little and how to stay in one place and not move.
• Those Who Know Retire from the Illusionplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.13.44
  
  A learned, thoughtful person must realize that material existence is illusion. This is possible only by self-realization. A self-realized person, who has actually seen the truth, should retire from all material activities, being situated in self-realization.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Ideal Family Life

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.14: Ideal Family Life
  
  Ideal Family Life
  
  This chapter describes the occupational duties of the householder according to the time, the country and the performer. When Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja became very much inquisitive about the occupational duties for the householder, Nārada Muni advised him that a
• How Householders Can Obtain Liberationplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.14.1
  
  Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira inquired from Nārada Muni: O my lord, O great sage, kindly explain how we who are staying at home without knowledge of the goal of life may also easily attain liberation, according to the instructions of the Vedas.
• Plain Living, High Thinkingplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.14.5
  
  While working to earn his livelihood as much as necessary to maintain body and soul together, one who is actually learned should live in human society unattached to family affairs, although externally appearing very much attached.
• Treat Animals like Your Own Childrenplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.14.9
  
  One should treat animals such as deer, camels, asses, monkeys, mice, snakes, birds and flies exactly like one's own son. How little difference there actually is between children and these innocent animals.
• The Real Value of the Wife’s Bodyplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.14.13
  
  Through proper deliberation, one should give up attraction to his wife's body because that body will ultimately be transformed into small insects, stool or ashes. What is the value of this insignificant body? How much greater is the Supreme Being, who is all-pervading like the sky?
• Distributing Prasada, Spiritual Foodplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.14.18
  
  Therefore, my dear King, first offer prasāda unto the brāhmaṇas and the demigods, and after sumptuously feeding them you may distribute prasāda to other living entities according to your ability. In this way you will be able to worship all living entities—or, in other words, the supreme living entity within every living entity.
• ISKCON Centers Benefit Everyoneplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.14.27-28
  
  Nārada Muni continued: Now I shall describe the places where religious performances may be well executed. Any place where a Vaiṣṇava is available is an excellent place for all auspicious activities. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the support of this entire cosmic manifestation, with all its moving and nonmoving living entities, and the temple where the Deity of the Lord is installed is a most sacred place. Furthermore, places where learned brāhmaṇas observe Vedic principles by means of austerity, education and mercy are also most auspicious and sacred.
• Everything Must Be Given to Krsnaplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.14.34
  
  O King of the earth, it has been decided by expert, learned scholars that only the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, in whom all that is moving or nonmoving within this universe is resting and from whom everything is coming, is the best person to whom everything must be given.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Instructions for Civilized Human Beings

• Chapter Summaryplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigSB 7.15: Instructions for Civilized Human Beings
  
  Instructions for Civilized Human Beings
  
  The summary of the Fifteenth Chapter is as follows. In the previous chapter, Śrī Nārada Muni proved the importance of the brāhmaṇa in society. Now, in this chapter, he will show the differences between different grades of
• Offering Food to the Lord and His Devoteesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.5
  
  When one gets the opportunity of a suitable auspicious time and place, one should, with love, offer food prepared with ghee to the Deity of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and then offer the prasāda to a suitable person—a Vaiṣṇava or brāhmaṇa. This will be the cause of everlasting prosperity.
• Slaughtering Animals for Religion and Foodplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.10
  
  Upon seeing the person engaged in performing the sacrifice, animals meant to be sacrificed are extremely afraid, thinking, "This merciless performer of sacrifices, being ignorant of the purpose of sacrifice and being most satisfied by killing others, will surely kill us."
• The Five Branches of Pseudoreligionplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.12
  
  There are five branches of irreligion, appropriately known as irreligion [vidharma], religious principles for which one is unfit [para-dharma], pretentious religion [ābhāsa], analogical religion [upadharma] and cheating religion [chala-dharma]. One who is aware of real religious life must abandon these five as irreligious.
• How to Transcend Economic Endeavorplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.15
  
  Even if a man is poor, he should not endeavor to improve his economic condition just to maintain his body and soul together or to become a famous religionist. Just as a great python, although lying in one place, not endeavoring for its livelihood, gets the food it needs to maintain body and soul, one who is desireless also obtains his livelihood without endeavor.
• Greed: The Merciless Taskmasterplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.20
  
  The strong bodily desires and needs of a person disturbed by hunger and thirst are certainly satisfied when he eats. Similarly, if one becomes very angry, that anger is satisfied by chastisement and its reaction. But as for greed, even if a greedy person has conquered all the directions of the world or has enjoyed everything in the world, still he will not be satisfied.
• The Guru Is Life's Greatest Assetplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.26
  
  The spiritual master should be considered to be directly the Supreme Lord because he gives transcendental knowledge for enlightenment. Consequently, for one who maintains the material conception that the spiritual master is an ordinary human being, everything is frustrated. His enlightenment and his Vedic studies and knowledge are like the bathing of an elephant.
• The Yoga Processplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.30
  
  One who desires to conquer the mind must leave the company of his family and live in a solitary place, free from contaminated association. To maintain the body and soul together, he should beg as much as he needs for the bare necessities of life.
• Breaking Spiritual Regulations Is Intolerableplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.38-39
  
  It is abominable for a person living in the gṛhastha-āśrama to give up the regulative principles, for a brahmacārī not to follow the brahmacārī vows while living under the care of the guru, for a vānaprastha to live in the village and engage in so-called social activities, or for a sannyāsī to be addicted to sense gratification. One who acts in this way is to be considered the lowest renegade. Such a pretender is bewildered by the external energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and one should either reject him from any position, or taking compassion upon him, teach him, if possible, to resume his original position.
• The Mercy of the Spiritual Masterplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.45
  
  As long as one has to accept a material body, with its different parts and paraphernalia, which are not fully under one's control, one must have the lotus feet of his superiors, namely his spiritual master and the spiritual master's predecessors. By their mercy, one can sharpen the sword of knowledge, and with the power of the Supreme Personality of Godhead's mercy one must then conquer the enemies mentioned above. In this way, the devotee should be able to merge into his own transcendental bliss, and then he may give up his body and resume his spiritual identity.
• Why You Cannot Remain in the Heavenly Planetsplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.50-51
  
  My dear King Yudhiṣṭhira, when oblations of ghee and food grains like barley and sesame are offered in sacrifice, they turn into celestial smoke, which carries one to successively higher planetary systems like the kingdoms of Dhumā, Rātri, Kṛṣṇapakṣa, Dakṣiṇam and ultimately the moon. Then, however, the performers of sacrifice descend again to earth to become herbs, creepers, vegetables and food grains. These are eaten by different living entities and turned to semen, which is injected into female bodies. Thus one takes birth again and again.
• What Is Reality?plugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.58
  
  Although one may consider the reflection of the sun from a mirror to be false, it has its factual existence. Accordingly, to prove by speculative knowledge that there is no reality would be extremely difficult.
• The Ultimate Self-interestplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.65
  
  When the ultimate goal and interest of one's self, one's wife, one's children, one's relatives and all other embodied living beings is one, this is called dravyādvaita, or oneness of interest.
• Narada Muni's Previous Livesplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.69
  
  Long, long ago, in another mahā-kalpa [millennium of Brahmā], I existed as the Gandharva known as Upabarhaṇa. I was very respected by the other Gandharvas.
• Krsna Lived with the Pandavas Just like an Ordinary Human Beingplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigŚrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.75
  
  My dear Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, you Pāṇḍavas are so very fortunate in this world that many, many great saints, who can purify all the planets of the universe, come to your house just like ordinary visitors. Furthermore, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, is living confidentially with you in your house, just like your brother.