Canto 01- Chapter 1 - Sages Enquire Suta Muni in Naimisaranya

The following is a brief prelude to Srimad-Bhagavatm, just to reemphasize the fact that even the mighty sages consider Bhagavatam as the nectar of all the vedic literature.

1.1.1-1.1.3: O son of Vasudeva, I offer my humble respects to You. I meditate upon Sri Krsna because He is the Absolute Truth and the primeval cause of all causes of the creation, sustenance and destruction of the manifested universes. He is directly and indirectly conscious of all manifestations, and He is independent because there is no other cause beyond Him. It is He only who first imparted the Vedic knowledge unto the heart of Brahma, the original living being. By Him even the great sages and demigods are placed into illusion. Only because of Him do the material universes, temporarily manifested by the reactions of the three modes of nature, appear factual, although they are unreal. I therefore meditate upon Lord Sri Krsna, who is eternally existent in the transcendental abode, which is forever free from the illusory representations of the material world. I meditate upon Him as the Absolute Truth. Srimad-Bhagavatam offers the highest truth, which can be understood by those devotees who are fully pure in heart. The highest truth is reality distinguished from illusion for the welfare of all. Such truth uproots the threefold miseries. Bhagavatam, compiled by the great sage Vyasa, is sufficient in itself for realization of GOD. What is the need of any other scripture? As one attentively and submissively hears the message of Bhagavatam, Supreme Lord is established within their heart. Expert and thoughtful men, relish Srimad-Bhagavatam, the mature fruit of the tree of Vedic literature. Therefore the nectar of this fruit is for all, including liberated souls.

1.1.4-1.1.23: Once upon a time in a holy place in the forest of Naimisharanya, in a favorite spot for Lord Visnu, great sages headed by the sage Saunaka assembled to perform a great thousand-year sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Lord and His devotees. (I have explained in Brahma Samhita about the central position of Krisna and Visnu in the planetary systems. It seems like that position occupied by Visnu in that Yantra has a central hub which geographically fits where Naimisharanya forest is situated)

One day, after finishing their morning duties by burning a sacrificial fire and offering a seat of esteem to Suta Muni, with great respect, submissiveness and highest regard, the sages made certain inquiries to understand God and His Pastimes.

The sages said "Respectful Suta! you are completely free from all sins. You are well versed in all the religious scriptures, Puranas and the history as well, for you have gone through these studies under proper guidance and have also explained them".

"O' Suta!, you are acquainted with the knowledge of Vyasa, and you also know other sages who are fully versed in all kinds of physical and metaphysical knowledge" and "because you are submissive, your spiritual masters have endowed you with all the favors that are bestowed upon a gentle disciple. Therefore please tell us all that you have scientifically learned from them. Please explain to us, in an easily understandable way, what you have ascertained to be the absolute and ultimate good for the people in general. In this Kali yuga, men have short lives. They are quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky and above all always disturbed. 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 explain the essence of all these scriptures, for the good of all living beings. By such instruction our hearts may be fully satisfied".

“O Suta Muni! you know for what purpose the God appeared as the son of Vasudeva and Devaki. We are eager to learn about Krishna and His incarnations. Please explain to us those teachings imparted to you by great sages, for one is uplifted both by speaking about them and by hearing about them. Living beings who are entangled in the complicated network of birth and death can be freed immediately by even unconsciously chanting the holy name of Krishna. O Suta! those great sages who have completely taken shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord can at once sanctify those who come in touch with them, whereas the waters of the Ganges can sanctify only after prolonged use. Anyone desiring deliverance from the vices of the age of quarrel is willing to hear the virtuous glories of the Lord? His transcendental acts are magnificent and gracious, and great learned sages like Narada sing of them. Please, therefore, speak to us, who are eager to hear about the adventures He performs in His various incarnations."

"O wise Suta, please narrate to us the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme God's multi-incarnations. Such auspicious adventures and pastimes of the Lord, the supreme controller, are performed by His internal powers. We never tire of hearing the transcendental pastimes of the God, who is glorified by hymns and prayers. Those who have developed a taste for transcendental relationships with Him relish hearing of His pastimes at every moment. Lord Sri Krishna, along with Balarama, played like a human being, and so masked He performed many superhuman acts. Knowing well that the age of Kali has already begun, we are assembled here in this holy place to hear at great length the transcendental message of Godhead and in this way perform sacrifice. We think that we have met Your Goodness by the will of providence, just so that we may accept you as chief, for those who desire to cross the difficult era of Kali, which deteriorates all the good qualities of a human being. Since Sri Krishna, the Absolute Truth, the master of all mystic powers, has departed for His own abode, please tell us to whom the religious principles have now gone for shelter."