Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 2
Daśa-lakṣaṇam: The Ten Topics, Virāṭ-Puruṣa Sense-Manifestation, and the Supreme Shelter (Āśraya)
दशमस्य विशुद्ध्यर्थं नवानामिह लक्षणम् । वर्णयन्ति महात्मान: श्रुतेनार्थेन चाञ्जसा ॥ २ ॥
daśamasya viśuddhy-arthaṁ navānām iha lakṣaṇam varṇayanti mahātmānaḥ śrutenārthena cāñjasā
To reveal the pure transcendence of the tenth theme—āśraya—the great sages describe the marks of the other nine, sometimes on the authority of śruti, sometimes by direct explanation of meaning, and sometimes in clear summary.
FAQs
This verse states that saintly teachers define the first nine topics so that the tenth topic—the supreme shelter (Āśraya, the Lord)—can be understood clearly, in line with scripture and its true meaning.
Because the tenth is the culmination; by learning the characteristics of the other nine, a listener’s understanding becomes precise, making the ultimate subject—the Lord as the final shelter—easy to grasp.
Study spiritual teachings in a structured way: learn foundational principles first, guided by authentic scripture and sound meaning, so your devotion and understanding of God become clear and steady.