Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 7 Chapter 15:67-80

Book 7: Chapter 15

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 7: Chapter 15: Verses 67-80 An inquiry into right conduct (concluded) Making his living by his own (vocational) duties enjoined by the Vedas and enumerated before and (similar) other duties, a man blessed with Devotion can attain the realm or state of Sri Krsna (who is present before you), even (though staying) at home, O king. Even as you and your brothers, 0 king of kings, have been able to get over a series of calamities, (so) difficult to get rid of, by the grace of Lord Sri Krsna, the supreme Spirit, by serving whose lotus-feet you (duly) performed a number of (big) sacrifices (such as Rajasuya and Aswamedha), having entirely subdued (all opponents including) the elephants guarding the quarters, so shall you cross the ocean of mundane existence also by the grace of Sri Krsna. Formerly, in the previous round of creation (the regime of the previous Brahma), I was (once) born as a Gandharva (celestial musician), Upabarhana by name, highly respected among the Gandharvas. (Most) pleasing to the eye by virtue of (my) comeliness of form, grace, sweet voice and fragrance, I was most beloved of women and was constantly drunk and excessively fond of women. Once in a sacrificial session commenced by the gods, parties of Gandharvas and Apsaras (celestial dancing girls) were invited by the creators of the universe (Daksa, Marici and others) for (the purpose of) singing the stories of Sri Hari. Coming to know of that invitation and surrounded by women, I too went there singing (profane songs even on the way without permission). Taking it to be an offence on my part, the creators of the universe cursed me by dint of their ascetic power, saying : "Shorn of (all) splendour, attain you at once the state (body) of a Sudra, since you have behaved disrespectfully (towards us)." At once I was born of a maid-servant and through service even in that life to sages who were (all) expounders of the Vedas, and thanks to their fellowship I attained the (present) state of a (mind-born) son of Brahma. I have (thus) explained to you the (course of) conduct prescribed for a married man which is capable of destroying (all) sin, and by (following) which a householder (too) can speedily attain the goal of recluses (viz., final beatitude). Oh, exceedingly fortunate (far more fortunate than Prahrada) on earth (this world of human beings) are you (the Pandavas and the Yadus), to whose residences flock from all quarters sages sanctifying the (whole) world, inasmuch as the Supreme Brahma bodily stays there disguised in the form of a human being. This very Sri Krsna, your well-known beloved friend and cousin (son of your maternal uncle Vasudeva), (nay,) your very self (body), worthy of your adoration, obedient servant (ambassador and charioteer) and preceptor (all in one), is Brahma, (that may be described as) the realization of absolute (unconditioned) supreme Bliss and which is diligently sought after (even) by the great. May this Sri Krsna, the well-known Protector of devotees, be gracious to us-Sri Krsna, whose essential character has not (so far) been depicted in its true colours with the help of reason (even) by Lord Siva (the Source of the universe), Brhama the (lotus-born) and others, and who is adored (by us) through silent meditation and enquiry, Devotion and control of senses and so on (unlike you, who are on such intimate terms with Him and on whom He lavishes His affection, a privilege which even Prahrada never enjoyed). Sri Suka went on : Hearing the discourse of the celestial sage (Narada) as reproduced in the foregoing verses, Emperor Yudhisthira (the foremost of the Bharatas) felt much delighted and, overwhelmed with love, (duly) worshipped him as well as Sri Krsna (who was present there). Taking leave of Sri Krsna and Yudhisthira (son of Prtha) and honoured by them, the (celestial) sage left (for his abode). (And) yudhisthira felt highly amazed to hear of Sri krsna as (noother than) the supreme Reality. In this way I have related to you separately the accounts of the posterity of the daughters of Daksa in which are comprised (the various) orders of animate and inanimate creation, such as gods, demons and human beings. Thus ends the fifteenth discourse entitled "An inquiry into right conduct (concluded)", forming part of the dialogue between Emperor Yudhisthira and the sage Narada, narrating the story of Prahrada, in Book Seven of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwise know as the Paramahamsa-Samhita, composed by the sage Vedavyasa and consisting of eighteen thousands slokas. END OF BOOK SEVEN