1022 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 4, Ch. 23

all talents in showing how to rule the citizens, how to educate them, how
to develop the state economically, how to fight enemies, how to perform
great sacrifices (yajnas), etc. Thus it is recommended for the sahajiya, or the
neophyte devotee, to hear, chant and get others to hear about the activities
of Prthu Maharaja, even though one may think himself to be in the tran-
scendental position of advanced devotional service.

TEXT 38
arated ARTETA |
ary Baa Tas afsaAATA |1R<II

vaicitraviryabhihitam
mahan-mahatmya-sucakam

asmin krtam atimartyam
parthavim gatim apnuyat

vaicitravirya—O son of Vicitravirya (Vidura); abhihitam—explained;
mahat—great; mahatmya— greatness; sucakam—awakening; asmin—in this;
krtam—performed; atimartyam—uncommon; parthavim—in connection
with Prthu Maharaja; gatim—advancement, destination; apnuyat—one
should achieve.

TRANSLATION

The great sage Maitreya continued: My dear Vidura, I have as far as
possible spoken the narrations about Prthu Maharaja, which enrich one’s
devotional attitude. Whoever takes advantage of these benefits also goes
back home, back to Godhead, like Maharaja Prthu.

PURPORT

The word sravayet, mentioned in a previous verse, indicates that one
should not only read for himself, but should also induce others to read and
hear. That is called preaching. Caitanya Mahaprabhu recommended this
practice: yare dekha, tare kaha ‘krsna-upadesa (Cc. Madhya 7.128).
““Whomever you meet, simply talk with him about the instructions given by
Krsna or tell him of narrations about Krsna.” Prthu Maharaja’s history of
devotional service is as potent as narrations about the activities of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead. One should not make distinctions be-
tween the pastimes of the Lord and the activities of Prthu Maharaja, and
whenever it is possible a devotee should attempt to induce others to hear
about Prthu Maharaja. One should not only read of his pastimes for one’s
