Listening to Bhagavatham
Sage Veda Vyasa thought about the easiest way for people to follow — whether poojas, homams, meditation, alms-giving, recitation of the Vedas or listening to Godly deeds and His qualities. The sage chose the last medium, and keeping this in mind, he composed the Bhagavatham so that ordinary people could listen easily and derive God's blessings.
Sage Narada told Veda Vyasa that he was an ordinary child in his previous birth, born to a maid rendering service at the ashramas of various rishis. His mother used to take him along with her. Listening to the good stories about God narrated by the rishis, he was destined to be born as a great sage. The sage had a unique feature that everyone lauded him. He tendered advice to Prahlada as well as to the demon Kamsa. He blessed Valmiki with sacred mantras. Also, he extended counselling to Ravana. Sage Narada was blessed to travel anywhere in the universe.
In practice, the Bhagavatham is recited for seven days, a system called 'Sapthaham.' Sage Sukha told King Parikshit for seven days. Also, the Sun God instructed Gokarnan, an ardent devotee, to recite Srimad Bhagavatham for seven days to derive the benign blessings of God.
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Hindustan Times
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Cancer (Ace of Swords): You have suddenly started feeling pleasant changes in life. Although circumstances are not yet fully favourable, these changes may signal the arrival of better times. Some new and positive developments may bring significant changes to your thinking. In the coming days, many good people and opportunities may come your way. The arrival of a new person could bring changes to your professional life. The challenges and difficulties you have been overcoming through your hard work and dedication to maintain your identity in the workplace may soon lead to the launch of a new business. This will not only increase your respect but also bring a considerable improvement in your financial situation. Whatever has happened in your life in the past, whether good or bad, has served as a lesson and is now leading you toward a new transformation. 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Maintain a positive (Six of Wands): You are facing many difficulties in completing a task, but its success can remove these obstacles. The victory achieved after struggle will bring you satisfaction. Nothing in life comes easily. So far, you have not been able to achieve much in the workplace, which may have created emptiness in relationships as well. Now, upcoming changes will soon enable you to achieve victory in all aspects. You will receive the rightful reward for your hard work. The search for a new job may be fulfilled. An old dispute may also be resolved, bringing peace of mind. Opportunities for promotion may arise. The coming time will be favourable for you. In this situation, avoid falling into pride or arrogance. Do not be misled into thinking of yourself as superior to others, as this can diminish your (Ten of Swords): A difficult situation is about to end. 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The Hindu
a day ago
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The main argument of the Bhagavad Gita is often seen as unassailable. Proponents of various Hindu sub-religions interpret it as illuminating their perspectives, partly because the Gita explains Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, and Bhakti yoga as interconnected paths. The Vedas align with this, encouraging devotion and worship to focus the mind on God. Acharya Vedanta Desika captures human fallibility with the analogy of an elephant repeating errors despite guidance, just as people often repeat mistakes. He prays for divine grace, drawing a parallel to Lord Krishna guiding and blessing Arjuna through His grace. Valayappettai Sri Ramachariar emphasised that Lord Krishna's advice to Arjuna centres on the Charama sloka: Sarva Dharman Parityajya (Chapter 18 — Verse 66): 'Completely relinquish all dharmas and seek Me as refuge; I will free you from all sins.' Acharya Ramanuja clarifies that authentic relinquishment means letting go of control, ownership, and attachment to outcomes, not abandoning devotional practices. The core teaching is to dedicate one's actions to God, with the individual acting as His instrument. Any rewards belong to God, not the agent. Krishna assured Arjuna that He would free him from all obstacles incompatible with the path, such as doing what should not be done and neglecting what should be done. When Arjuna doubted whether he could begin Bhakti yoga, the Lord instructed him to renounce all dharmas. Here, dharmas means expiatory duties. The Lord said He is always compassionate to those who depend on Him. We are all born to render service to Him. But our sins prevent us from rendering the same. Moksha will eventually come if sins are removed. Through a mere surrender, a person can derive the blessings of God and attain liberation.
