A general definition of Bhagavata-saptaha: a seven-day series of lectures on Srimad-Bhagavatam given by professional reciters to a paying audience.
"Srila Prabhupada instructed us never to speak the Srimad Bhagavatam for the purpose of making a living and vehemently criticized professional reciters.This is certainly in line with the statements made by the Kumaras inchaptersix: "He (the reciter of the Srimad Bhagavatam) should be a renouncedbrahmana,a devotee of the Lord, and free from material desires. Those who arecheaters,attached to women, and who do not know the essence of religion, shouldnot beinvited to speak on Srimad Bhagavatam. In the olden days, theseven-day recitationof Srimad Bhagavatam was considered a great religious festival but inrecenttimes it has become perverse. Nevertheless, these recitations aretraditionaland attract large crowds. Understanding the preaching opportunitiesthese gatheringsoffer, the Governing Body Commission of the International Society forKrsnaConsciousness has authorized its members to conduct such recitations,whichare certainly beneficial if the purpose is not mundane."
In room conversation (London, August 10, 1971) Srila Prabhupada approved of Bhagavata-saptaha organized by devotees:
Syamasundara: Well, I'm not so sure. They used to be when I was here, and I think if you have a Bhagavata-saptaha, if the weather stays, and the weather'sany good... I don't know.
Prabhupada: But the Bhagavata-saptaha, if they are willing to cooperate with _our_ Bhagavata-saptaha.
Syamasundara: Yeah, that's what I mean.
Comments