Authoritative and Attentive Hearing!

Verse 1.18.16 (Kasi Prji):

* Here we see that the sages in Naimisharanya are very interested in hearing Krishna Katha from Suta Goswami.
* It is also seen how Maharaj Parikshit hears so well from Sukadeva Goswami that he becomes a Maha-bhagavatha.
* Sravanam and Kirtanam are very imp for the ppl of this age of kaliyuga.
* Key points from this verse
- hearing from authoritative sources, through bona fide disciplic succession
- being very attentive in hearing Krishna Katha
* Authoritative sources is very important
* Nice pastime of Srila Prabhupada narrated: of a small boy giving paratha to his elder brother who had jaundice.
- similarly, if we hear from an authority, then chance of misinterpretation is lesser
* Second, is attentively hearing Krishna katha
- then holy name will cleanse the desire of our material enjoyment
* One should therefore practice hearing the holy name attentively, then all anartha's will be cleansed out.
* All other activities which does not favor service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, are basically useless acts.
* Krishna also says in BG: one who knows the transcendental......attains my eternal abode O Arjuna.
* SP also says: Impersonalists became devotees, but no devotee so far has become an impersonalist.
* Eg: Sukadeva Goswami, Dhruva Maharaj
* Atmarama verse of SB, the Lord can attract even impersonalist devotees.
* Compassion of a Mahabgavatha is also discussed here, in giving Krishna to others. Eg: Srila Prabhapada is a the best example in this regard.