With deep reverence, we bow to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, whose very form is existence, consciousness, and bliss. He is the cause behind the creation, preservation, and dissolution of the universe, and He alone is the destroyer of the threefold suffering that afflicts beings. We also honor that sage whose heart dwells within all beings. This sage, whom Dvaipāyana called out to in distress as he left for a life of renunciation, was so united with nature that even the trees addressed him as their own son. Now, in the sacred forest of Naimiṣa, after offering their respects to Sūta—the wise and great-minded one, expert in relishing the nectar of divine stories—the sage Śaunaka began to speak. “O Sūta,” Śaunaka said, “your brilliance equals millions of suns, and you dispel the darkness of ignorance. Please, tell us the essence of these divine stories, the true elixir for our ears. “When devotion, knowledge, and detachment are attained, discernment naturally grows. Yet, how do Vaiṣṇavas overcome the delusion of Māyā? In this dreadful age of Kali, when most beings have become demonic and are afflicted by suffering, what is the ultimate means of purification? “Please reveal to us that supreme good, the best among all auspicious things, the purest of the pure, and the eternal practice that leads to attaining Kṛṣṇa. “Worldly happiness may be gained from the philosopher’s stone, and the celestial tree may bestow heavenly riches, but only a pleased guru can grant Vaikuṇṭha, which is rare even for yogis.” Sūta replied, “Because love has arisen in your heart, O Śaunaka, I will speak after careful reflection. What I reveal will be the very conclusion of all teachings and will destroy the fear of worldly existence. “I will tell you that which increases the flood of devotion and brings satisfaction to Kṛṣṇa. Listen with full attention. “To remove the terror of being devoured by the serpent of time, the scripture known as Śrīmad Bhāgavata was spoken by Kīra during this Kali age. “There is nothing else that so purifies the mind. Only those blessed with merit from previous births are able to obtain the Bhāgavata. “When King Parīkṣit was seated in the assembly to hear the divine story, and Śuka was present, the gods themselves gathered there, bringing a pot of nectar. “After bowing to Śuka, all the skillful gods said, ‘Give us the nectar of these stories; we have brought this nectar in exchange.’ “When the exchange was made, the king was to drink the nectar, while we all would drink the nectar of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. “But where, truly, is nectar? Where are such stories in this world? Where is mere glass, and where is the great jewel? Considering thus, Brahmarāta laughed at the gods. “Recognizing those who lacked devotion, he did not give them the nectar of stories. The tales of Śrīmad Bhāgavata are difficult to obtain, even for the gods. “When the king attained liberation, even the creator was astonished. In Satyaloka, the unborn Lord weighed the means of liberation on a scale. “All other works that have arisen are minor; this one is great in its gravity. Therefore, all the sages were filled with the highest wonder. “They regarded the Bhāgavata scripture as the very form of the Lord, for in the age of Kali, simply by reading or hearing it, one immediately attains the fruit of Vaikuṇṭha. “This scripture was heard within seven days and, in every way, bestows liberation. Long ago, the compassionate Sanaka and others spoke it to Nārada. “Though Nārada heard it from the divine sage due to his connection with Brahman, the method of hearing it in seven days was explained by the Kumāras.” Śaunaka then inquired, “How could Nārada, who is free from worldly ties and ever-moving, feel affection or form a connection with those present at the ritual?” Sūta replied, “I will recount to you now the narrative, imbued with devotion, which Śuka spoke to me in secret, after accepting me as his disciple. “Once, in the city of Viśālā, four pure sages gathered for the sake of holy association. There, they saw Nārada. “The Kumāras addressed him, ‘O Brāhmaṇa, why is your face so downcast and your mind so troubled? Where are you hastening to, and from where have you come? “‘Now you seem empty-hearted, as if you have lost your wealth, like an ordinary man. This does not befit one who is free from attachment—tell us the reason.’ “Nārada replied, ‘I have traveled the earth, thinking it to be the highest, visiting holy places such as Puṣkara, Prayāga, Kāśī, and the Godāvarī. ‘I wandered among sacred sites like Harikṣetra, Kurukṣetra, Śrīraṅga, Setubandha, and many others, moving here and there. ‘Nowhere did I find happiness that satisfies the mind. At present, the earth is afflicted by Kali, the friend of unrighteousness. ‘Truth, austerity, purity, compassion, and charity no longer exist. Unfortunate beings live only to fill their bellies and speak deceitfully. ‘People are dull, of poor understanding, unfortunate, and afflicted. The good are few, absorbed in hypocrisy, and even the renunciants maintain households. ‘Young women rule the household; brothers-in-law give counsel; daughters are sold out of greed, and discord arises between husband and wife. ‘The āśramas are obstructed by foreigners, as are the holy rivers, and many temples of the gods have been destroyed by the wicked. ‘There is no yogī, nor any accomplished one, nor a wise man, nor a person of good conduct; in the wildfire of Kali, all spiritual practices have been reduced to ashes. ‘Villages are plagued by bandits, the twice-born are struck by the trident of Śiva, and women, their hair disheveled, become lustful in this age of Kali. ‘Thus, seeing the faults of the age of Kali, I wandered the earth and came to the bank of the Yamunā, where the Lord’s pastimes had taken place. ‘There I saw a wonder—listen, O great sages. There sat a young woman, her mind weary and distressed. ‘Beside her lay two old men, collapsed, breathing faintly and unconscious. She served them, tried to rouse them, and wept before them. ‘She looked in all ten directions for her protector, her own form being fanned by hundreds of women, who repeatedly tried to awaken her.