Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 24
Parīkṣit’s Comprehensive Inquiries and the Bhāgavata as Śabda-avatāra
सर्वमेतच्च भगवन् पृच्छतो मेऽनुपूर्वश: । तत्त्वतोऽर्हस्युदाहर्तुं प्रपन्नाय महामुने ॥ २४ ॥
sarvam etac ca bhagavan pṛcchato me ’nupūrvaśaḥ tattvato ’rhasy udāhartuṁ prapannāya mahā-mune
O großer Weiser, stille meinen Wissensdurst: Lege der Reihe nach und der Wahrheit gemäß alles dar, was ich dich gefragt habe — und auch, was ich nicht zu fragen vermochte. Da ich mich dir ergeben habe, gewähre mir vollständige Erkenntnis darüber.
The spiritual master is always prepared to impart knowledge to the disciple and specifically when the disciple is very inquisitive. Inquisitiveness on the part of a disciple is greatly necessary for the progressive disciple. Mahārāja Parīkṣit is a typical disciple because he is perfectly inquisitive. If one is not very inquisitive about self-realization, one need not approach a spiritual master simply to make a show of discipleship. Not only is Mahārāja Parīkṣit inquisitive concerning all he has inquired about, but he is also anxious to know about what he has not been able to inquire. Factually it is not possible for a man to inquire about everything from the spiritual master, but the bona fide spiritual master is able to enlighten the disciple in every way for the disciple’s benefit.
FAQs
This verse shows Parīkṣit openly taking refuge (prapanna) in the great sage Śukadeva and requesting truthful instruction—highlighting surrender and humble inquiry as the proper approach to spiritual knowledge.
Parīkṣit seeks a complete, systematic understanding “step by step” (anupūrvaśaḥ) so the truth (tattvataḥ) can be grasped clearly without confusion.
Approach authentic teachings with humility, ask focused questions progressively, and follow guidance consistently—rather than jumping between topics or relying on speculation.