The
best satisfaction of the heart in this age of Kali is obtained by
hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam - the cream and the essence of all Vedic
literature and the natural commentary of Vedānta Sūtra applied in
practical life WHICH COMPLETELY PURIFIES THE HEARER/READER.
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"There are many varieties of scriptures, and in all of them there are
many prescribed duties, which can be learned only after many years of
study in their various divisions. Therefore, O sage, please select the
essence of all these scriptures and explain it for the good of all
living beings, that BY SUCH INSTRUCTION THEIR HEARTS MAY BE FULLY
SATISFIED." [Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.1.11]
PURPORT
ĀTMĀ, OR SELF, IS DISTINGUISHED FROM MATTER AND MATERIAL ELEMENTS. IT
IS SPIRITUAL IN CONSTITUTION, AND THUS IT IS NEVER SATISFIED BY ANY
AMOUNT OF MATERIAL PLANNING. ALL SCRIPTURES AND SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS
ARE MEANT FOR THE SATISFACTION OF THIS SELF, OR ĀTMĀ. There are many
varieties of approaches which are recommended for different types of
living beings in different times and at different places. Consequently,
the numbers of revealed scriptures are innumerable. There are different
methods and prescribed duties recommended in these various scriptures.
Taking into consideration the fallen condition of the people in general
in this age of Kali, the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya suggested that Śrī Sūta
Gosvāmī relate the ESSENCE OF ALL SUCH SCRIPTURES because in this age it
is NOT POSSIBLE for the fallen souls to understand and undergo all the
lessons of all these various scriptures in a varṇa and āśrama system.
The varṇa and āśrama society was considered to be the best institution
for lifting the human being to the spiritual platform, but due to
Kali-yuga it is NOT POSSIBLE to execute the rules and regulations of
these institutions. Nor is it possible for the people in general to
completely serve relations with their families as the varṇāśrama
institution prescribes. The whole atmosphere is surcharged with
opposition. And considering this, one can see that spiritual
emancipation for the common man in this age is very difficult.
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