194 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 2, Ch. 4

In the sva-dhama of the Lord there is no need of sun, moon, or stars for
illumination. Nor is there need of electricity, so what to speak of ignited
lamps? On the other hand, it is because of those planets being self-
illuminating that all effulgence has become possible, and whatever there is
that is dazzling is due to the reflection of that sva-dhama.

One who is dazzled by the effulgence of the impersonal brahmajyoti
cannot know the personal transcendence; therefore in the [sopanisad it is
prayed that the Lord shift His dazzling effulgence so that the devotee can
see the real reality. It is spoken thus:

hiranmayena patrena satyasyapihitam mukham
tat tvari piisann apavrnu satya-dharmaya drstaye.

“O Lord, You are the maintainer of everything both material and
spiritual, and everything flourishes by Your mercy. Your devotional service,
or bhakti-yoga, is the actual principle of religion, satya-dharma, and | am
engaged in that service. So kindly protect me by showing Your real face.
Please, therefore, remove the veil of Your brahmajyoti rays so that I can see
Your form of eternal bliss and knowledge.”

TEXT 15
e LJ e
mati greet acteet
° °
Tacd TeT ITeTTy |
ure ant fata wad
TH GAA TAL AA UUM
yat-kirtanam yat-smaranam yad-iksanam
yad-vandanam yac-chravanam yad-arhanam
lokasya sadyo vidhunoti kalmasam
tasmai subhadra-sravase namo namah

yat—whose; kirtanam—glorification; yat—whose; smaranam—remem-
brances; yat—whose; iksanam—audience; yat—whose; vandanam—prayers;
yat—whose; sravanam—hearing about; yat—whose; arhanam—worshiping;
lokasya—of all people; sadyah—forthwith; vidhunoti—specifically cleanses;
kalmasam—effects of sins; tasmai—unto Him; subhadra—all-auspicious;
Sravase—one who is heard; namah—by due obeisances; namah—again and
again.
