The Study Method (by Bhurijana Prabhu)

Attentive Reading

All-attractive Krsna is non-different from the Bhagavatam. To succeed in discovering

Him, we should first accept that the Lord is present on each page. Then, by reading
attentively, we can discover Him.
"Simple hearing is not all; one must realize the text with proper attention....One
should hear with attention from the real person, and then he can at once realize the
presence of Lord Krsna in every page....Somehow or other if someone hears [the
Bhagavatam] with rapt attention from the right person, at the very beginning one can
assuredly see Lord Sri Krsna in person in the pages of Bhagavatam." (Bhag. 1.3.44
purport)
We should learn to read in an active, questioning manner. "What is the main point of
this purport?" one should ask. "What other points is Srila Prabhupada making? Do I
really understand the connection between this statement and the one before? Can I
think of another example of this same point?"
Over the last few years, some of us have been applying this method of "active reading"
to our individual study and within pilot study groups. Our increased appreciation of
the difference between casual reading and actual studying has expanded our
conviction in the Bhagavatam's potency.
The following general study questions are designed to aid our mastery of the art of
active, attentive reading. After reading each verse and purport, one should write down
the answers to these questions:

1. Main Point. What is the main point of this verse and purport?
2. Subsidiary Points. What other important points are mentioned?
3. Sanskrit. Do any of the Sanskrit words or word-for-word meanings give me special
insights?
4. Special Appreciation. Are there any sentences or paragraphs that strike me with
their special relevance?
5. Scriptural References. Can I think of any other scriptural references for the
philosophical point I've just read?
6. Questions. Is there anything I don't understand?
(Especially while one is getting used to the study method, we recommend writing
down each answer. After some time, however, one may prefer to mentally note his
answers to questions 3, 4, and 5.)
7. Vedic Culture. Are there any points on Vedic culture that I should add to my list?
(It's helpful, in addition to answering the first six questions, to keep a running list of
points on Vedic culture. It has been said that the Krsna consciousness movement will
succeed through a Vedic "cultural conquest," and we recommend keeping such a list
to increase our understanding and appreciation of that culture. In addition, or as
"culture's" stead, one could compile and research Bhagavatam quotes on any topic of
his interest.)

7
 Philosophical Continuity

Once we've understood that the presentation of the Bhagavatam is not haphazard, but
that it progresses logically, an exciting part of our study is to discover, unravel, and
explore the Bhagavatam's philosophical development.
To aid us in this, we have divided each Bhagavatam chapter into "Sections." These
sections, or groupings of a chapter's verses, are suggested by the natural changes in
speakers and topics within the texts and purports.
After actively studying and taking notes on each verse and purport within a section,
we then, using the study guide's sections as a basis, separately list, one after another,
each verse's "Main Point." Next, we carefully read our list, seeking connections
between the main points. When we discover what we consider the main philosophical
thread running through the section, we then summarize it in one or two concise
sentences. This extraction is called a "Section Theme."

Practical Application

Studying the Srimad-Bhagavatam while looking to apply Srila Prabhupada's words to

our lives will keep our Bhagavatam study from becoming simply an academic or
intellectual pursuit. The mood that "Srila Prabhupada is speaking to me" gives
immediate relevance to Prabhupada's words and enhances our attentiveness. While
studying, answer the four "practical" questions that follow.

1. Do I have any personal experiences that illustrate this point? (PeA, Und)
2. Does this point practically apply to my life? How? (PeA)
3. Does this point apply to preaching in the world today? How? (PrA)
4. Does this point apply to ISKCON? How? (PrA, M+M)

Although we should answer these questions while studying each verse and purport,
we may do so mentally and need not write the answers down. This will help keep our
studies moving at a satisfying speed.