In the auspicious months of Nabhas, Āśvina, Urja, and Mārgashīrsha, which are renowned for their purity and promise of liberation, it is most fitting to commence the sacred narration. These months are particularly blessed for those who gather to listen, opening the path to freedom for the devoted. The other months, however, are not considered suitable for such a holy undertaking and should be set aside by the Brahmins. During those times, it is best to appoint other diligent companions for different tasks. With careful effort, messages should be sent out across every region, announcing that the narration will take place here, and inviting all householders to join. Some stories of Hari and praises of Acyuta may be distant or less accessible, so it is important to make sure that women, Shudras, and others receive proper instruction and are included in the blessings of the recitation. In every area, those Vaishnavas who are detached from worldly affairs and eager for kirtan should be sought out—letters should be sent to invite them, and their participation in writing is also encouraged. For seven rare and precious nights, the virtuous will gather, and the narration that unfolds will be of a unique and unprecedented flavor, unlike anything before. All who thirst for the nectar of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata are urged to come quickly, hearts full of love and devotion. Even if space is limited, and even if only a single day can be attended, every effort should be made to ensure that all can take part, for even a moment spent in this gathering is exceedingly rare and precious. Arrangements for all visitors should be made with humility—accommodations provided so everyone feels welcome. The narration may take place at a sacred site, in a forest, or within the home; wherever the earth is broad enough, that becomes a suitable place for these divine stories. The ground should be purified and cleansed, smeared and decorated with minerals, and household items should be neatly set aside. After five days, the coverings previously spread should be thoroughly cleaned, and a lofty pavilion constructed, adorned with banana trunks. This pavilion should be splendidly decorated with fruits, flowers, leaves, and a canopy, with flags raised in all four directions, shining with abundance and beauty. Above, depictions of the seven worlds should be crafted in detail, with renounced Brahmins seated there in wakefulness. Their seats should be arranged in order, and a special, divine seat prepared for the speaker. The speaker should face north, while the listener faces east; if the speaker faces east, then the listener should face north. Alternatively, the east is designated as the meeting place between the worshipped and the worshipper, as prescribed by those wise in matters of place and time. The speaker chosen should be a detached, Vaishnava Brahmin—purified by the Vedic scriptures, skilled in illustration, steadfast, and utterly free from desire. Those who are confused by many doctrines, attached to sensual pleasures, or who hold heretical views should not be permitted to recite Shuka’s scripture, even if learned. Beside the speaker, another learned scholar should be seated to assist—one who can resolve doubts and is devoted to enlightening the people. Before dawn on the day of the narration, the speaker should shave as part of his vow, and at sunrise, complete his purification and bathing. Each day, after briefly performing his sandhya and other personal rites with care, he should worship the lord of obstacles to remove any hindrances to the narration. Having satisfied the ancestors for purification, he should perform atonement, create a sacred mandala, and establish Hari there. With a mantra dedicated to Krishna, the ritual of worship should be performed in proper order. After circumambulation and prostration, praise should be recited at the close of worship, with heartfelt supplication: “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.” Next, the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam itself should be worshipped with care and affection, following the prescribed methods, offering incense and lamps. After this, holding a coconut, one should offer salutations and recite praises with a cheerful and reverent mind: “This scripture, the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, is truly Krishna Himself, manifest before us. O Lord, I accept You for liberation from the ocean of worldly existence. My cherished desire is fulfilled by Your grace. Let this narration proceed without obstacles—I am Your servant, O Keśava.” Having spoken thus with humility, the speaker should be honored with garments and ornaments, and praised after the worship: “O boar-formed, awakened one, expert in all scriptures, by the revelation of this narrative, destroy my ignorance.” Then, with joy, a vow should be undertaken for one’s own welfare, to be observed for seven nights according to one’s ability. Five Brahmins should be selected to ensure the narration is not interrupted, and they should recite the twelve-syllable mantra of Hari. Bowing to and honoring Brahmins, Vaishnavas, and all who perform kirtan, and giving them instructions, one should then take one’s own seat. All concerns for wealth, possessions, home, and children should be set aside, and the mind absorbed in the sacred narrative, pure in intent, for then the highest result is attained. The narration should begin at sunrise and continue for three and a half watches of the day, recited steadily and properly by a wise person. At midday, a pause should be observed for two ghaṭikās, during which kirtan should be performed by the Vaishnavas. To maintain mastery over bodily needs, a light and comforting meal should be taken; the seeker of the narrative should eat havis food only once. If possible, one may fast for the full seven nights and listen, or, if needed, drink ghee or milk for comfort. Alternatively, one may subsist on fruit or eat only once—whatever is manageable, all for the sake of listening to the holy narration. Thus, in this way, the sacred recitation of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam is to be arranged and undertaken, with devotion, care, and reverence, so that all who participate may be blessed with the highest spiritual benefit.