Furthermore, since this sacred scripture is revered as the living embodiment of the Divine (Bhagwan nu Swaroop), what is the appropriate etiquette for studying it? Is it considered disrespectful to underline or highlight verses with a pen for deeper reflection, and what is the ideal inner attitude and method to absorb its wisdom? I would be grateful for your guidance.
In ancient times, especially in India, the very concept of Time fascinated the advanced thinkers and sages. They tried to see the link between the various celestial events in Time and its impact upon human life. The principle behind it is the interconnectedness of creation.
Bhadrapada purnima marks the transition from the pitrupaksh to matrupaksh. After this, there is the celebration of the Divine Mother’s powers. September 21st to 22nd is the Autumn equinox in the Northern hemisphere which marks a transition from the bright to the dark passage as the day begins to shorten. All these little details explain the symbolic significance. It is the period when creation enters into the womb of Night to reemerge with a new possibility. It is regarded as a period when like Nature, one should go within and reemerge with renewed vigour when the Spring equinox arrives in March. The beginning of this new emergence is the Sankranti festival.
As to what should be done during the beginning of this new phase varies with the different beliefs. The Vaishnavas and Krishna bhaktas would prescribe reading of the Bhagawat to facilitate the preparation for inwardness.
The Srimad Bhagavatam is no doubt a great Scripture, among the greatest, so to say. Hence it is called as the Word-body or Vangamaya deha or the Sabdabrahma. But it is equally true of other great scriptures.
But the Scriptures themselves say that the Divine Truth, the Divine Being is greater than the Scriptures themselves, Sabdabrahmativartate. There is nothing greater than ahaituki bhakti, unconditional love for the Divine Himself and that is not dependent on any auspicious Time. It can be and should be done regardless of special or auspicious moments, anytime anywhere. In fact, remembrance of the Divine itself turns the inauspicious moments into the most auspicious.
Affectionately,
Alok da
