Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 15
Nārada’s Past Life, the Lord’s Brief Vision, and the Power of Kīrtana
तस्मिन्निर्मनुजेऽरण्ये पिप्पलोपस्थ आश्रित: । आत्मनात्मानमात्मस्थं यथाश्रुतमचिन्तयम् ॥ १५ ॥
tasmin nirmanuje ’raṇye pippalopastha āśritaḥ ātmanātmānam ātmasthaṁ yathā-śrutam acintayam
随后在那无人之林中，我依止于菩提树（毕钵罗）之荫，依我从解脱圣者所闻之法，以自心之智观想内住的至上灵——帕拉玛特玛。
One should not meditate according to one’s personal whims. One should know perfectly well from the authoritative sources of scriptures through the transparent medium of a bona fide spiritual master and by proper use of one’s trained intelligence for meditating upon the Supersoul dwelling within every living being. This consciousness is firmly developed by a devotee who has rendered loving service unto the Lord by carrying out the orders of the spiritual master. Śrī Nāradajī contacted bona fide spiritual masters, served them sincerely and got enlightenment rightly. Thus he began to meditate.
FAQs
This verse describes Narada meditating on the Supreme Self within the heart, following the method he had heard from realized sages—showing that inner contemplation on the indwelling Lord is a direct bhakti practice.
Narada sought solitude to practice the teachings he received from the sages; the quiet forest setting supported steady remembrance and meditation without distraction.
Set aside a quiet time and place daily, withdraw from distractions, and focus the mind on the Lord within the heart through prayerful remembrance and meditation guided by authentic teachings.