Let us listen to the tale as revealed in the sacred Bhāgavata, where the nature of the human body and the transformative power of hearing Hari’s narration are laid bare. The body, it is said, is nothing but a pillar of bones, bound by sinews, smeared with flesh and blood, and covered by skin. It emits a foul odor and serves as a vessel for urine and excrement. This fragile form is afflicted by old age, sorrow, and the consequences of past actions—a veritable house of disease and suffering. It is hard to fill, hard to bear, corrupted, flawed, and perishable in an instant. In the end, this body becomes food for worms, dissolves into filth, and is reduced to ashes. How, then, can actions performed with such an unstable vessel ever yield anything lasting? Even the food prepared in the morning perishes by evening; so, in a body nourished by such impermanent sustenance, what permanence can there be? Yet, by hearing the glories of Hari for seven days, one can attain Him in this very world. Thus, for the removal of faults, this hearing alone is the means. Those who lack the hearing of Hari’s narration are like bubbles in water or insects among creatures—born only to die. Splitting the knot of a dry bamboo is wondrous, but far more wondrous is the splitting of the knot in the heart by hearing this sacred narration. When the seven-day hearing is performed, the knot of the heart is broken, all doubts are cut, and one’s actions are exhausted. When the mind is established at the sacred ford of narration, which can wash away the filth of worldly mire, liberation alone is declared by the wise. As these words were spoken, a celestial chariot descended, surrounded by the radiant residents of Vaikuṇṭha. All watched as the son of Dhundhulī ascended the chariot. Seeing the Vaiṣṇavas within, Gokarṇa spoke: “Here are many pure listeners of mine—why have celestial chariots not come for all at the same time? Hearing was equally performed by all; why then has there arisen a difference in result? Let the devotees of Hari explain.” The servants of Hari replied: “The difference in result is due to the difference in hearing. Though all have heard, not all have reflected as much. Therefore, the difference in result arises even from worship, O respectful one. The departed soul performed hearing while fasting for seven nights, engaging in deep reflection and concentration of mind. Knowledge that is not firm is destroyed, hearing is ruined by negligence, a mantra is lost if doubted, and recitation is spoiled by a distracted mind. A place not devoted to Viṣṇu is ruined; a śrāddha for the unworthy is ruined; charity given to one unlearned in scripture is ruined; and a family is ruined by misconduct. Faith in the words of the guru, humility within, conquering the faults of the mind, and unwavering attention in the narration—if these and the like are accomplished, then indeed the fruit of hearing is attained. At the end of the narration, residence in Vaikuṇṭha is certain for all.” “O Gokarṇa,” they continued, “Govinda himself will grant you Goloka.” Having spoken thus, all the devotees of Hari departed to Vaikuṇṭha. In the following month, Gokarṇa again recited the narration. Once more, hearing was performed for seven nights. O Nārada, listen to what happened at the conclusion of the narration. Hari himself appeared there with the devotees and celestial chariots; at that time, cries of victory and salutations resounded. Hari, out of joy, sounded the Pāñcajanya conch and embraced Gokarṇa, making him like Himself. Instantly, Hari made the other listeners dark-hued like rain clouds, clothed in yellow silk, crowned and adorned with earrings. Even those living in the village—born among horse-keepers and outcastes—were placed in celestial chariots by the grace of Gokarṇa. Those sent to the realm of Hari, where yogis go, that cowherd, along with Gokarṇa, reached Goloka, beloved of the cowherds. Pleased by hearing the stories, the Lord, who cherishes devotees, departed. Just as the residents of Ayodhya were united with Rama, so too were they led by Krishna to Goloka, which is difficult for yogis to attain. They reached that world where neither the sun, nor the moon, nor even the perfected beings ever go—by hearing the glorious Bhagavata. It is declared: what radiant fruit is gathered by seven-day sacrifices in stories! For those who have drunk the syllables of Gokarṇa’s tale with their ears, even those in the womb are not born again. By consuming wind, water, and leaves; by austerities that dry the body; by fierce penances accumulated over long time; and by yogic practices—one does not attain that state which is reached by hearing the seven-day narration. Even the sage Shandilya, lord among sages, residing in Citrakuta, recites this sacred history, immersed in the bliss of Brahman. This narration is supremely pure; hearing it even once destroys the mass of sins. When used in a śrāddha, it brings satisfaction to the ancestors; by daily recitation, one attains liberation and does not return. Now begins the sixth chapter: The Glory of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata—the procedure for seven-day recitation. The Kumāras spoke: “Now we shall explain the procedure for seven-day hearing. It is remembered that the rite is generally accomplished with companions and wealth. One should summon an astrologer, carefully inquire about the auspicious time, and arrange resources as one would for a wedding. The months of Nabhas, Āśvina, Urja, and Mārgashīrsha are pure and auspicious for beginning the narration; these months indicate liberation for the listeners. The other months are to be avoided by Brahmins; those should be left aside entirely. Other companions should be appointed, and those who are diligent. In each region, this message should be sent out with effort: ‘The narration will take place here, and householders should come.’ Some Hari stories and praises of Acyuta are far away; women, Shudras, and others—understand that their instruction should be ensured. In each region, those detached Vaishnavas who are eager for kirtan—letters should be sent to them, and their writing is thus prescribed.” Thus is the story revealed, showing the impermanence of the body, the transformative power of hearing Hari’s glories, and the proper way to perform the sacred seven-day recitation.