Shloka 4
Nārada Instructs the Pracetās: Bhakti as the Goal of All Paths
तमागतं त उत्थाय प्रणिपत्याभिनन्द्य च । पूजयित्वा यथादेशं सुखासीनमथाब्रुवन् ॥ ४ ॥
tam āgataṁ ta utthāya praṇipatyābhinandya ca pūjayitvā yathādeśaṁ sukhāsīnam athābruvan
As soon as the Pracetās saw the great sage Nārada arrive, they rose at once from their āsanas. They offered obeisances, welcomed him, and worshiped him as prescribed; and when Nārada Muni was comfortably seated, they began to inquire from him.
It is significant that all the Pracetās were engaged in practicing yoga to concentrate their minds on the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse highlights dharmic etiquette: rise to receive the guest, offer obeisances, greet respectfully, honor them appropriately, seat them comfortably, and then speak.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating the events to King Parīkṣit, describing how the assembled persons received an honored visitor.
Practice humility and respect: welcome elders/teachers warmly, offer proper courtesy, ensure their comfort, and speak only after honoring them.