Category:Examples from the Srimad-Bhagavatam
Theme Analysis
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the spotless Purāṇa, revered not just for its deep philosophy, but for how it makes that philosophy accessible through vivid analogies and historical examples. Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly draws upon these examples to clarify complex spiritual concepts for his readers. By presenting the practical lives of great personalities, the Bhāgavatam moves beyond theoretical knowledge and demonstrates exactly how a living entity should act, think, and feel in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
A major theme in this category is the use of natural analogies to explain the soul's condition and relationship with God. For instance, Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the example of a fish taken out of water to explain how the spirit soul can never be happy in the material world, regardless of the bodily comforts offered. Similarly, the example of pouring water on the root of a tree perfectly illustrates why worshiping Kṛṣṇa automatically satisfies all the demigods. Beyond analogies, the Bhāgavatam provides historical case studies of perfection. Mahārāja Ambarīṣa is cited as the perfect example of a busy householder and politician who kept his mind fixed on Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet. Mother Yaśodā's binding of Kṛṣṇa demonstrates that the Supreme Lord is conquered only by pure love, not by the severe austerities of yogīs or jñānīs.
- Analogies for the Conditioned Soul: Śrīla Prabhupāda uses examples like the fish out of water or the man running after a mirage to vividly illustrate the futility of seeking happiness in the material world.
- The Root of all Existence: The Bhāgavatam's example of pouring water on the root of a tree is used to explain the supreme efficiency and necessity of exclusive devotional service to Kṛṣṇa.
- Historical Case Studies: Great personalities like Mahārāja Ambarīṣa, Prahlāda Mahārāja, and King Parīkṣit serve as practical, historical examples of how to execute devotional service perfectly in various life situations.
- The Power of Pure Love: Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights the example of Mother Yaśodā to prove that the Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be captured by empirical knowledge or mystic yoga, but only by unalloyed love and affection.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Examples from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam - Practical Lessons for Spiritual Life.
Pages in category "Examples from the Srimad-Bhagavatam"
The following 71 pages are in this category, out of 71 total.
A
- A further understanding to be derived from this example (SB 9.10.11) is that a woman, however powerful she may be in the material world, must be given protection, for as soon as she is unprotected she will be exploited by Raksasas like Ravana
- A nice example of the all-cognizant quality of the Lord is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam, First Canto, 15th Chapter, 11th verse, in connection with Durvasa Muni's visit to the house of the Pandavas in the forest
- Although the King (Indradyumna) was not at fault, Agastya Muni cursed him, and when this happened the King considered it to be due to his past misdeeds. Tat te 'nukampam susamiksamanah (SB 10.14.8). This is a practical example of how a devotee thinks
- An example given in this regard (in SB 7.9.35) is that of the aroma within the earth. In the earth there are aromas and colors, but one cannot see them
- An example is given in this connection (in SB 4.9.16) by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura of a person proceeding towards a destination
- An example of attachment for Krsna with overwhelming affection is given in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Tenth Canto, 6th Chapter, 27th verse, where Sukadeva Gosvami addresses Maharaj Pariksit in this way
- An example of Krsna's equilibrium is given in the Tenth Canto, 16th Chapter, 29th verse, of Srimad-Bhagavatam in connection with His chastising Kaliya, the hundred-headed serpent
- An example of perspiring because of jubilation is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam. One gopi addressed Radharani thusly
- An example of rising to the stage of ecstatic love by executing the regulative principles of devotional service is given in the life story of Narada, which is described to Vyasadeva in the Srimad-Bhagavatam
- An example that may be cited in this regard (to SB 9.4.64) is that if a very rich man does not have sons in a family he does not feel happiness. Indeed, sometimes a rich man adopts a son to complete his happiness
- Another example is given in the Srimad-Bhagavatam of the elephant who enters into a lake and takes a bath very seriously, cleansing his body thoroughly
- Anyabhilasita-sunyam (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.1.11). If one has no desire other than to serve Krsna and His devotee, then his life is successful. This is explained by Narada Muni (in SB 7.15.73) through this practical example from his own life
B
- Bhagavatam gives the example
- Bhavato 'darsanam yarhi hrsikanam ivesituh (SB 1.8.38). She (Kuntidevi) gives the example that without Krsna they would be like the senses without life
- By the example of these sages one should learn that regular hearing and recitation of the Bhagavatam is the only way for self-realization. Other attempts are simply a waste of time, for they do not give any tangible results
H
- Here (in SB 3.2.23) is an example of the extreme mercy of the Lord, even to His (Krsna's) enemy. It is said that a noble man accepts the good qualities of a person of doubtful character, just as one accepts nectar from a stock of poison
- Here (in SB 3.23.43) is the example of a perfect yogi; he (Kardama Muni) could travel all over the universe. Similarly, there is a description of Durvasa Muni, who also traveled in space. Actually, the perfect yogi can do that
- Here (in SB 3.33.22) is a practical example of how one can elevate oneself in spiritual advancement by Krsna consciousness. Kapiladeva is Krsna, and He appeared as the son of Devahuti
- Here (in SB 4.4.32) is one example of powerful hymns in the Vedas which, when chanted, could perform wonderful acts
- Here (in SB 4.7.10) is an example of why Lord Siva is called auspicious
- Here (in SB 7.5.37) is a vivid example of how a devotee is disturbed by a nondevotee, even though the nondevotee is an affectionate father
- Here (in SB 8.24.15) is an example of giving service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead even without knowledge. Such service is called ajnata-sukrti
- Here (in SB 9.10.50) the example of good government is to be found in the reign of Lord Ramacandra. If people follow this example, there will be good government all over the world
- Here (in SB 9.18.39) is an example (of BG 7.20): the father shamelessly asked his son to exchange youth for old age. Of course, the entire world is under such illusion
- Here (SB 4.20.13) is an example of receiving direct instruction from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Visnu. One has to execute the order of Lord Visnu, whether receiving it directly from Him or from His bona fide representative, the spiritual master
- Here (SB 4.20.17) the practical example of how to accept the instruction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is shown by Prthu Maharaja. This is the way to receive knowledge through the parampara system
I
- In Bhagwatam also there is another example like Lord Jesus. He is Prahlad Maharaj a boy of five years old but because he was a great devotee of God and preaching the message of God among his little class mates, his atheist father tried to kill him
- In the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Chapter 68, verse 23, there is a nice example of Rukmini shedding tears of lamentation
- In this regard (SB 8.12.8), the example may be given of gold that has not been molded and gold that has been molded into various ornaments. A gold earring and the gold in a mine are different only as cause and effect; otherwise they are the same
- It is confirmed herein (SB 1.12.4) by the example of Maharaja Yudhisthira, the personality of goodness
- It is not that only sannyasis, vanaprasthas and brahmacaris can reach Krsna. A grhastha, a householder, can also reach Krsna, provided he becomes a pure devotee without material desires. An example of this is cited in the next verse - SB 7.15.68
L
- Lord Jesus is a living example how one has to suffer in this material world simply for the matter of preaching the message of God. In Bhagavatam also there is another example like Lord Jesus. He is Prahlada Maharaja a boy of five years old
- Lord Visnu is atmesvara, the Supersoul in everyone. Under His direction, everything is prompted from within. For example, in the beginning of the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is stated, tene brahma hrda: He first educated Lord Brahma from within
O
- On that friendly platform there are different kinds of laughing and joking conversations. An example of such a friendly relationship with Krsna is described in the Srimad-Bhagavatam when Krsna was once thinking
- One may have enough money and enough resources to satisfy the senses but still not be satisfied, for the endeavor to stop lusty desires by enjoying can never be successful. The example given here is very appropriate - SB 9.19.14
S
- Sometimes people ask why this Krsna consciousness movement simply advocates worship of Krsna to the exclusion of the demigods. The answer is given in this verse (SB 4.31.14). The example of pouring water on the root of a tree is very appropriate
- Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura gives herein a good example. When a father finds his child deeply asleep but the child has to take some medicine to cure some disease, the father pinches the child so that the child will get up and take the medicine
- Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura herein (SB 9.5.27) gives a very good example. When one is very eager for more and more money, he is not satisfied even when he is a millionaire or a multimillionaire, but wants to earn more and more money by any means
T
- That Maharaja Yayati was immediately liberated from the bondage of conditioned life is certainly astonishing. But the example given herewith (SB 9.19.24) is appropriate
- That very example (bathrooms may be very convenient but they are ordered to be situated at a distance from residential quarters) is cited herein (SB 1.19.13) in relation to the kingly order for those who are progressively marching back to Godhead
- The Bhagavatam gives the example that dirt and fire are practically one and the same. From the earth grow trees, and from their wood come fire and smoke. Nevertheless, for heat we can utilize the fire but not the earth, smoke or wood
- The example cited here (SB 2.5.11) of the sun is very appropriate. In the material world the sun is the cause of all illumination: fire, electricity, the rays of the moon, etc
- The example given here (in SB 10.4.19) is that pots and dolls are produced from the earth, and when broken or destroyed they mingle with their original ingredients. In any case, the source of supply remains the same
- The example given here (in SB 7.1.28-29) concerns the grassworm that becomes beelike because of constantly thinking of the bee that forces it to enter a hole. By always thinking of the bee in fear, the grassworm starts to become a bee
- The example given here (in SB 8.12.11) compares the Lord to the air, which is within the vast sky and within every body but still is different from everything
- The example given in this connection (SB 6.10.11) is that when an earthen pot is broken, the small portion of the sky within the pot is united with the large sky outside the pot. Mayavadi philosophers misunderstand this description of Srimad-Bhagavatam
- The example given in this regard (in SB 7.9.31) - vasukalavad asti-tarvoh - is very easy to understand. Everything exists in time, yet there are different phases of the time factor - present, past and future. Present, past and future are one
- The example given in this verse (in SB 2.1.39) very nicely is that of the dreaming man. The dreaming man creates many things in his dream, and thus he himself becomes the entangled seer of the dream and is also affected by the consequences
- The example is given here (in SB 3.15.49) of tulasi leaves. The tulasi leaf is very useful even from the medicinal or antiseptic point of view. It is considered sacred and is offered to the lotus feet of the Lord
- The example of the elephant in danger who was saved by the Supreme Lord is especially cited here (SB 3.19.25) because even if one is an animal he can approach the PG in ds, whereas even a demigod cannot approach the Supreme Person unless he is a devotee
- The example of the fish on land is very appropriate (for SB 3.2.11). If one takes a fish from the water and puts it on the land, it cannot be made happy by any amount of offered pleasure
- The example set herein is very appropriate. A traveler leaves home to search for wealth in far distant places, sometimes in the forest and sometimes on the ocean and sometimes on hilltops
- The famous example of this (SB 3.33.8) was presented by Lord Caitanya, who accepted Thakur Haridasa as one of His most important disciples. BG 1972 purports
- The saintly sages herein (in SB 4.14.15) instruct that the king or head of government should set an example by living a religious life. As stated in Bhagavad-gita, religion means worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead
- The term karma-yoga is often used in Bhagavad-gita - , and herein (in SB 4.22.51) Maharaja Prthu is giving a practical example of what karma-yoga actually is
- The Vedic mantras are pronounced beginning with omkara to indicate immediately the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Srimad-Bhagavatam, for example, begins with the words om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
- There are also instances of pralaya in distress. One such example is described in the Tenth Canto, 39th Chapter, 14th verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam, where Sukadeva Gosvami tells King Pariksit
- There are concrete examples of how a devotee discharged one of these services and achieved perfection. King Pariksit achieved the desired goal of life simply by hearing Srimad-Bhagavatam
- There are many examples like Prthu Maharaja, and the history of his regency on this planet is elaborately described in Srimad-Bhagavatam
- There is an example of His (Krsna's) covered personal feature in the Srimad-Bhagavatam in connection with His Dvaraka lila (His residence in Dvaraka as its king)
- This (SB 7.13.29) is an accurate example depicting how the living entity, because of lack of knowledge, runs after happiness outside his own self
- This (SB 9.9.33) is an example of destiny. King Saudasa was condemned by the curse of Vasistha, and therefore even though he was well qualified he could not restrain himself from becoming a tigerlike Raksasa, for this was his destiny
- This description (in SB 10.5.10) of the village women gives a clear example of the contrast between natural life and the artificial life of a condemned society, such as that of the Western countries
- This is a practical example (SB 10.11.58). If we follow in the footsteps of Nanda Maharaja and the gopas, we can all be happy simply by discussing the activities of Krsna
- This is the example shown here (in SB 10.9.10) by mother Yasoda - that the yogis and jnanis cannot enter that effulgence of Krsna even after many, many years of austerities, whereas bhaktas can capture Krsna simply by love and affection
- This verse (of SB 10.1.43) gives a very good example by which to understand the different positions of the eternal spiritual soul in the material world and how the soul takes on different bodies
W
- We have simply heard about the opulence of Rama-rajya during the reign of Lord Ramacandra. Now, here (in SB 9.11.26) is one example of the opulence of the Lord's kingdom
- When Krsna is accepted as an enemy, He becomes the most intolerable object for the nondevotee, who cannot tolerate Krsna within or without. Here (in SB 10.11.50) this is shown by the example of Bakasura