Knowledge that is not firmly established is easily lost, and hearing becomes fruitless if approached with carelessness. When a mantra is recited with doubt, its power is destroyed, and if recited with a distracted mind, its effect is spoiled. In the same way, a place that is not dedicated to Viṣṇu loses its sanctity, a śrāddha performed for the unworthy is wasted, charity given to someone ignorant of scripture bears no true fruit, and a family falls into ruin through misconduct. But if one has faith in the words of the guru, cultivates humility within, conquers the faults of the mind, and listens to the sacred narration with unwavering attention, then the true result of hearing is attained. When these qualities are present, at the end of the narration, all who have listened will certainly attain residence in Vaikuṇṭha. O Gokarṇa, Govinda himself will grant you Goloka, the highest abode. Having spoken thus, all the devotees of Hari departed joyfully to Vaikuṇṭha. In the following month, Gokarṇa again recited the sacred narration, and once more, the listeners gathered for seven nights to hear the divine story. O Nārada, listen carefully to what happened at the conclusion of this second narration. At that sacred moment, Hari himself appeared, accompanied by his devotees and celestial chariots. The air resounded with cries of victory and salutations. Out of joy, Hari sounded the Pāñcajanya conch and, embracing Gokarṇa, made him radiant and divine, like himself. Instantly, Hari transformed the other listeners, making their forms dark as rain clouds, adorning them with yellow silk, crowns, and shining earrings. Even those villagers born among horse-keepers and outcastes were, by Gokarṇa’s grace, placed in celestial chariots at that very moment. All those sent to the realm of Hari, where yogis aspire to go, journeyed together with Gokarṇa to Goloka, the beloved abode of the cowherds. Pleased by their devotion and the joy of hearing his stories, the Lord who cherishes his devotees departed. Just as, in ages past, the people of Ayodhya were united with Rāma, so now Krishna led these devotees to Goloka—a realm even yogis struggle to attain. To that world, where neither sun nor moon nor perfected beings ever reach, these blessed souls traveled, simply by hearing the glories of the Bhagavata. Let it be proclaimed: what radiant fruit is gathered by those who perform seven-day sacrifices of storytelling! For those who have drunk the syllables of Gokarṇa’s tale with their ears, even those still in the womb are not born again. Not by subsisting on wind, water, and leaves, nor by austerities that dry the body, nor by fierce penances accumulated over long years, nor by yogic practices, does one attain that state which is reached by hearing the seven-day narration of the Bhagavata. Even the great sage Shandilya, foremost among sages and dwelling in Citrakuta, recites this sacred history, immersed in the bliss of Brahman. This narration is supremely pure; hearing it even once destroys the mountain of sins. If it is included in the śrāddha ritual, it brings satisfaction to the ancestors. By daily recitation, one attains liberation and does not return to this world. Now begins the next chapter: The Glory of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata—The Procedure for Seven-Day Recitation. The wise Kumāras spoke: “We shall now explain the proper procedure for the seven-day hearing of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata. This sacred rite is to be performed with companions and with whatever wealth is available. First, an astrologer should be summoned, and after careful inquiry into the most auspicious time, arrangements should be made as one would for a wedding celebration. The months of Nabhas, Āśvina, Urja, and Mārgashīrsha are pure and auspicious for beginning the narration; these months bestow liberation upon the listeners. The other months are to be avoided by Brahmins and left aside entirely. Once the time is set, diligent companions should be appointed, and invitations sent throughout the region, announcing that the narration will take place and inviting all householders to come. Stories of Hari and praises of Acyuta may be distant for some; therefore, special care must be taken to ensure that women, Shudras, and others receive proper instruction. In every region, detached Vaishnavas who are eager for kirtan should be invited by written letter, as prescribed. The gathering of the virtuous for seven nights is a rare and precious event, and the narration will have a unique, unprecedented flavor. All those eager to drink the nectar of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata should come quickly, hearts full of loving devotion. Even if there is not enough space for everyone, and even if only a single day is possible, every effort should be made to attend, for even a moment here is supremely rare. Arrangements for all guests should be made with humility, ensuring accommodations for everyone who comes. Whether at a sacred place, in a forest, or at home, listening to the narration is esteemed; wherever the earth is spacious, that is a suitable place for these sacred stories. The place should be purified and cleansed, the ground smeared and decorated with minerals, and household items moved aside. After five days, all coverings should be cleaned with care, and a lofty pavilion constructed, adorned with banana trunks. The pavilion should be beautifully decorated with fruits, flowers, leaves, and a canopy, with flags raised in all four directions, making it radiant and full of auspiciousness. Above, depictions of the seven worlds should be displayed in detail, and within these, renounced Brahmins should be seated and awakened. Their seats should be arranged in order, and for the speaker, a special divine seat should be prepared. The speaker should face north, while the listeners face east; or if the speaker faces east, then the listeners should face north. Alternatively, the east is to be known as the place between the worshipped and the worshipper; for the arrival of the listeners, this arrangement is prescribed by those skilled in place and time. The speaker should be a detached Vaishnava Brahmin, purified by Vedic scriptures, skilled in illustrating with examples, steadfast, and utterly free from desire. Those who are confused by many doctrines, attached to women, or proponents of heretical views—even if learned—should be avoided as speakers of Śuka’s scripture. Beside the speaker, another such scholar should be seated as an assistant—one who can resolve doubts and is devoted to enlightening the people. Thus, with reverence and careful preparation, the seven-day narration of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata is to be performed, bestowing purity, liberation, and the highest joy upon all who listen.