Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 37
Brahmā Counsels the Demigods; Journey to Kailāsa; Śiva’s Tranquility and Brahmā’s Praise
उपविष्टं दर्भमय्यां बृस्यां ब्रह्म सनातनम् । नारदाय प्रवोचन्तं पृच्छते शृण्वतां सताम् ॥ ३७ ॥
upaviṣṭaṁ darbhamayyāṁ bṛsyāṁ brahma sanātanam nāradāya pravocantaṁ pṛcchate śṛṇvatāṁ satām
พระองค์ประทับนั่งบนอาสนะหญ้าดัรภะ และทรงแสดงพรหมันอันนิรันดร์ ท่ามกลางสัตบุรุษผู้สดับฟัง โดยเฉพาะทรงอธิบายสัจธรรมสูงสุดแก่ฤๅษีนารทผู้ทูลถาม
The lord was sitting on a mattress of straw because such a sitting place is accepted by persons who are practicing austerities to gain understanding of the Absolute Truth. In this verse it is specifically mentioned that he was speaking to the great sage Nārada, a celebrated devotee. Nārada was asking Lord Śiva about devotional service, and Śiva, being the topmost Vaiṣṇava, was instructing him. In other words, Lord Śiva and Nārada were discussing the knowledge of the Veda, but it is to be understood that the subject matter was devotional service. Another point in this connection is that Lord Śiva is the supreme instructor and the great sage Nārada is the supreme audience. Therefore the supreme subject matter of Vedic knowledge is bhakti, or devotional service.
FAQs
This verse highlights inquiry and instruction taking place in the company of satām (saintly hearers), emphasizing that divine knowledge is best received through respectful hearing and questioning in holy association.
Kuśa grass is traditionally used in Vedic rites for purity and sanctity; the detail underscores the sacred, Vedic atmosphere of Brahmā’s instruction to Nārada.
Seek saintly association, listen attentively to authentic teachings, and ask sincere questions with humility—this is the practical path to steady spiritual understanding.