# Room Conversation

*Type: Conversation Dated: December 15th 1970 Location: Surat Audio file: 701215R1-SURAT.mp3*

**Guest (1):** [indistinct].

**Prabhupāda:** You understand what is the meaning of *bhāgavata,* this word *bhāgavata*? You understand? These are the common questions. If you do not understand this common question, then how you can instruct others?

**Guest (1):** I have many [indistinct].

**Prabhupāda:** That's all right, but do not take the position of a teacher unless you have assimilated the whole thing. Simply by hearing others you may misunderstand; you may not present the real thing. Therefore I'm asking you...

**Guest (1):** [indistinct]

**Prabhupāda:** [Hindi] [indistinct] everyone can become. One is not..., [indistinct]. You do not know...

**Guest (1): **I do not know that.

**Prabhupāda: **So another thing is that you must know *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* from a *bhāgavata,* whose life is *bhāgavata.* First of all you must know what is *bhāgavata.* What is *bhāgavata*? Can you give me idea what you have understood?

Instead of going through the instruction, first of all let me understand what do you understand about this [indistinct] *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.* That is essential. So you cannot explain what is *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.* You have read *Bhāgavatam* from the beginning? *Dharma projjhita kaitavo atra* [*SB 1.1.2*]. You have read?

**Guest (1):** [indistinct]

**Prabhupāda:** Eh? You have not read even the first verse, and you are going to give instruction on *Bhāgavatam*? Your life should be *bhāgavata.* You should understand what is *bhāgavata.* Simply by some catching stray words from others how can you accept?

**Guest (1):** [indistinct]

**Prabhupāda:** Huh? So I bless you that you try to understand. Then you write. That is my request. That's all right. All right. [end]