By the power of severe austerities—living on mere wind, water, or leaves, subjecting the body to rigorous penances for many years, and practicing the most demanding yogic disciplines—one may not attain that exalted state which is reached simply by listening to the seven-day narration of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata. Even the illustrious sage Śāṇḍilya, foremost among the wise and dwelling in the sacred land of Citrakūṭa, immerses himself in the bliss of Brahman by reciting this holy history. This narration is supremely pure; merely hearing it once is enough to destroy the accumulated mass of sins. If recited during a śrāddha ceremony, it brings deep satisfaction to one’s ancestors. When recited daily, it leads one to liberation from the cycle of birth and death, ensuring there is no return to worldly existence. Now, the Kumāras spoke, declaring, “We shall explain the proper procedure for the seven-day hearing of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata. This rite is generally accomplished with the support of companions and the necessary means. One should first call upon an astrologer, carefully ask about the most auspicious time, and arrange all resources as one would for a grand wedding. The months of Nabhas, Āśvina, Ūrja, and Mārgaśīrṣa are especially pure and auspicious for beginning the narration; these months are known to open the path of liberation for all who listen. The other months should be avoided by Brahmins and left aside entirely. In each region, diligent companions should be appointed, and a message should be sent out with care, inviting all householders to come and participate in the narration. Some stories of Hari and the glories of Acyuta may be distant or inaccessible, so it is important to ensure that women, Śūdras, and others are also instructed and included. Letters should be sent to all detached Vaiṣṇavas in every region who are eager for kīrtan, inviting them in accordance with tradition. The gathering of the virtuous for seven nights is a rare and precious event, and the narration to be held will have a unique and unprecedented flavor. All who are eager to drink the nectar of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata should quickly come, filled with devotion and love. If, at any time, there is not enough space—even for a single day—still, in every way, attendance should be ensured, for even a moment spent here is extremely rare and valuable. Arrangements for all guests should be made with humility, providing accommodations for everyone. Whether at a sacred place, in the forest, or at home, listening to the Bhāgavata is honored; wherever the earth is spacious, that is a suitable place for narrating these divine stories. The ground should be purified, cleansed, and smeared with auspicious substances, and household items should be moved to a corner. After five days, the coverings previously spread should be cleaned with care, and a lofty pavilion constructed, adorned with banana trunks. The space should be beautifully decorated with fruits, flowers, leaves, and a canopy. Flags should be raised on all four sides, making the place radiant with abundance. Above, the seven worlds should be depicted in detail, and in those seats, renounced Brahmins should be placed and awakened to the occasion. Their seats should be arranged in proper order, and a special, divine seat prepared for the speaker of the Bhāgavata. The speaker should face north, and the listener east; or, if the speaker faces east, the listener should face north. The east is prescribed as the place between the worshipped and the worshipper, and the arrival of the listeners should be organized according to those skilled in time and place. The speaker must be a detached, Vaiṣṇava Brahmin, purified by study of the Vedas, 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, should not be allowed to recite Śuka’s scripture, even if they possess learning. Beside the main speaker, another such scholar should be present to assist—one who is adept at resolving doubts and devoted to enlightening the people. Before the day begins, the speaker should shave as part of his vow, and at sunrise, after completing this, perform purification and bathing. Each day, after briefly performing his own sandhyā and other sacred rites with care, he should worship the lord of obstacles, seeking removal of any hindrances to the narration. After satisfying the ancestors for purification and performing atonement, a mandala should be created, and Hari established there. With a mantra dedicated to Krishna, ritual worship should be performed in proper order; after circumambulation and prostration, praise should be recited at the conclusion of the worship: “O ocean of compassion, lift me, who am submerged in the sea of worldly existence, wretched and bound by the delusion of karma, from the ocean of becoming.” Then, the Śrīmad Bhāgavata itself should be worshipped with devotion and care, according to the prescribed method, with offerings of incense and lamps. After this, holding a coconut, one should offer salutations and recite praises with a cheerful heart: “This scripture, known as the Śrīmad Bhāgavata, is verily Krishna Himself, manifest before us. O Lord, I have accepted You for the purpose of liberation from the ocean of worldly existence. My cherished desire has been fulfilled entirely by You. Let this be completed without any obstacles; I am Your servant, O Keśava.” Having spoken thus with humility, one should then honor the speaker, adorning him with garments and ornaments, and, after the worship, offer him praise: “O boar-formed, awakened one, expert in all scriptures, by the revelation of this narrative, destroy my ignorance.” After this, a vow should be undertaken joyfully for one’s own welfare, to be observed for seven nights according to one’s capacity. Five Brahmins should be chosen to ensure the narration is not interrupted, and they should recite the twelve-syllable mantra of Hari. With due respect and honor, Brahmins, Vaiṣṇavas, and those who perform kīrtana should be greeted and instructed, and then one should take one’s own seat. Setting aside all concerns for wealth, possessions, home, and children, with the mind absorbed in the narrative and pure in intent, one attains the highest result.