We must understand the current need of human society.
What is that need? Humanity today is no longer confined within the boundaries of countries or communities. The world has become far more connected than it was in the Middle Ages, and there is a growing tendency toward unity — a single human civilization.
According to the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the ideal of true spiritual communism is based on the idea of the oneness of all living beings — indeed, of all energies of existence. Great thinkers around the world are searching for a philosophy that can fulfill this vision, and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam provides exactly that foundation.
It begins with the very first aphorism of Vedānta philosophy, janmādy asya yataḥ — "From whom everything emanates" — to establish the ultimate principle of a common origin and purpose.
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At present, human society is not lost in ignorance. It has achieved remarkable progress in material comforts, education, and economic development across the globe. Yet there remains a painful flaw — a small but critical disorder in the body of society — that leads to widespread conflicts, even over trivial matters.
There is a great need for a guiding principle that can unite humanity in peace, friendship, and shared prosperity. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam fulfills this need, for it offers a cultural and spiritual foundation for the reawakening of human consciousness.
It should also be introduced in schools and universities, as recommended by the great devotee-student Prahlāda Mahārāja, who taught that spiritual education should begin in childhood to transform the demoniac tendencies of society:
> kaumāra ācaret prājño dharmān bhāgavatān iha
durlabhaṁ mānuṣaṁ janma tad apy adhruvam artha-dam
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.6.1)
"From early childhood, one who is intelligent should practice devotional principles, for human life is rare and temporary, yet capable of granting the highest benefit."
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The inequalities and conflicts in human society arise from the absence of divine principles in a godless civilization. There is a Supreme Being — the Almighty — from whom everything originates, by whom everything is sustained, and into whom everything ultimately returns.
Modern science has tried, but failed, to adequately discover this ultimate source of creation. The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, however, explains this truth logically and authoritatively.
It is not only a science for understanding the origin of all things, but also for realizing our relationship with that Supreme Source and our duty to perfect human life through such realization.
Originally composed in Sanskrit, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is now presented in elaborate English translation so that anyone who reads it carefully can come to know God completely — and become capable of defending spiritual truth against atheistic challenges. Moreover, such a reader will naturally inspire others to accept the reality of God.
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The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam begins by defining the Absolute Truth. It is a genuine commentary on the Vedānta-sūtra written by the same author, Śrīla Vyāsadeva, and it develops progressively through nine cantos, leading the reader step by step to the highest realization of God.
The only qualification required to study this sacred scripture is patience and sincerity — to proceed gradually, one chapter after another, rather than reading it hastily like an ordinary book.
Each chapter presents the original Sanskrit verses, English transliterations, word meanings, translations, and detailed explanations. Anyone who studies these nine cantos in this way will attain deep realization of God.
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The Tenth Canto is unique, for it directly describes the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. However, one cannot fully grasp its meaning without first studying the first nine cantos.
The entire work consists of twelve cantos, each complete in itself, yet best appreciated when read sequentially, step by step.
I must admit my own limitations in presenting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, yet I am confident that thoughtful and sincere people will appreciate it. My confidence rests on this verse from the Bhāgavatam (1.5.11):
> tad-vāg-visargo janatāgha-viplavo
yasmin prati-ślokam abaddhavaty api
nāmāny anantasya yaśo 'ṅkitāni yac
chṛṇvanti gāyanti gṛṇanti sādhavaḥ
"On the other hand, that literature which glorifies the holy name, fame, form, and pastimes of the unlimited Supreme Lord is a transcendental creation that brings about a revolution in the impious life of a misguided civilization. Even if imperfectly composed, such works are heard, sung, and accepted by the pure-hearted and honest."