Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 23
Bondage and Liberation Under Māyā; Two Birds Analogy; Marks of the Saintly Devotee
श्रद्धालुर्मत्कथा: शृण्वन् सुभद्रा लोकपावनी: । गायन्ननुस्मरन् कर्म जन्म चाभिनयन् मुहु: ॥ २३ ॥ मदर्थे धर्मकामार्थानाचरन् मदपाश्रय: । लभते निश्चलां भक्तिं मय्युद्धव सनातने ॥ २४ ॥
śraddhālur mat-kathāḥ śṛṇvan su-bhadrā loka-pāvanīḥ gāyann anusmaran karma janma cābhinayan muhuḥ
My dear Uddhava, narrations of My pastimes and qualities are all-auspicious and purify the entire universe. A faithful person who constantly hears, glorifies and remembers such transcendental activities, who through dramatic performances relives My pastimes, beginning with My appearance, and who takes full shelter of Me, dedicating his religious, sensual and occupational activities for My satisfaction, certainly obtains unflinching devotional service to Me, the eternal Personality of Godhead.
Those who have faith only in the impersonal effulgent aspect of the Supreme Lord and those who have faith only in the localized Supersoul, the perfect object of mystic meditation located in the heart of every living entity, are considered to be limited and imperfect in their transcendental realization. The process of mystic meditation and impersonal philosophical speculation are both devoid of actual love of God and therefore cannot be considered to be the perfection of human life. Only one who places full faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes qualified to go back home, back to Godhead.
FAQs
This verse says that Kṛṣṇa’s narrations are inherently auspicious and purifying, and that faithful hearing of them is itself a powerful act of devotion.
In the Uddhava-gītā portion of Canto 11, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on practical bhakti—how devotees cultivate steady devotion by hearing, chanting, remembering, and relishing His līlā.
Set a daily rhythm: hear Bhagavatam (audio/reading), chant or sing Kṛṣṇa’s names and pastimes, and consciously recall His qualities and līlā during routine activities.