Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.1.6
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
Nārāyaṇa is the transcendental Personality of Godhead beyond the material creation. Everything that is created, sustained, and at the end annihilated is within the compass of the mahat-tattva (material principle) and is known as the material world. The existence of Nārāyaṇa, or the Personality of Godhead, is not within the jurisdiction of this mahat-tattva, and as such the name, form, attributes, etc., of Nārāyaṇa are beyond the jurisdiction of the material world. By the speculation of empiric philosophy, which discerns matter from spirit, or by cultivation of mystic powers, which ultimately helps the performer to reach any planet of the universe or beyond the universe, or by discharge of religious duties, one can achieve the highest perfection, provided one is able to reach the stage of nārāyaṇa-smṛti, or constant remembrance of the Personality of Godhead. This is possible only by the association of a pure devotee, who can give a finishing touch to the transcendental activities of all jñānīs, yogīs or karmīs, in terms of prescribed duties defined in the scriptures. There are many historical instances of the achievement of spiritual perfection, such as that of the Sanakādi Ṛṣis or the nine celebrated Yogendras, who attained perfection only after being situated in the devotional service of the Lord. None of the devotees of the Lord ever deviated from the path of devotional service by taking to other methods as adopted by the jñānīs or yogīs. Everyone is anxious to achieve the highest perfection of his particular activity, and it is indicated herein that such perfection is nārāyaṇa-smṛti, for which everyone must endeavor his best. In other words, life should be molded in such a manner that one is able to progressively remember the Personality of Godhead in every step of life.
If persons doing jñāna, karma or other processes become devotees by association with devotees, they do not again perform those other processes. They become successful. That is expressed in this verse. For jñānīs, yogīs and karmīs, to attain such a birth is best. What birth is that? That is a successful birth if, with the end of jñāna, yoga and karma (ante–not literally the end but by approximation), pure bhakti, remembrance of Nārāyaṇa, appears, as in the case of the Kumāras, Nava-yogendras, Prācīnabarhi and others. “At the end” signifies that even if they give up bhakti, they do not again practice the other processes. Thus it is said:
etāvān eva yajatām iha niḥśreyasodayaḥ | bhagavaty acalo bhāvo yad bhāgavata-saṅgataḥ ||
Auspiciousness arises for the worshippers of devatās if firm devotion for the Lord arises from association with devotees. SB 2.3.11
Others say the verse means “At the end of this life, remembering Nārāyaṇa is the supreme attainment.”
- Priya Valabha Mataji SB 02-01-06-07 Hindi
- Mukunda Datta Pr SB 02-01-06 - 2019-12-31 Los Angeles
- Pankajanghri Pr SB 02-01-06 - 2006-01-03
- Pariksit Pr SB 02-01-06 - The Need to Always Remember Krishna - 2024-04-02 Harrisburg
- BCaitanyaS SB 02-01-06 Russian Translation - 2005 UlanUde
- BCS SB 02-01-06 - The True Goal of Life - 2015-09-15 Surat
- Bhakti Vikas Sw SB 02-01-06 - Death is the Test
- JAS SB 02-01-06 - 2012-05-15 Gainesville
- JPS SB 02-01-06 - The qualification for entering the Sankirtana of Caitanya Mahaprabhu humility - Brisbane
- JPS SB 02-01-06 - Remembering Krishna at the End of Life - 1994-07-07 Brisbane
- JPS SB 02-01-06 - Remembering Krishna at the End of Life - 1994-07-07 BNE
- KKS SB 02-01-06 - 2003-08 Sydney
- Mukunda Sw SB 02-01-06 - 1999-01-03 Auckland
- RGS SB 02-01-06-15 Hindi - Sukadev Goswami ke Uttar Day-04 - Chicago 2004
- Sridhar Sw SB 02-01-06 - Mumbai 2003
- ISKCON Kolhapur SB 02-01-06 Hindi - Real Management - 2009-02-22 HG Radha Gopinath Prabhu
- SP SB 2-01-06 Paris 1974-06-14 Do You Know How to Die
- What am I rehearsing my mind to remember when I am pressed, anxious, or near the end?
- Does my current spiritual practice actually train remembrance, or just produce momentary good feeling?
My note
Source: vedabase.io