Ten Topics

Just as the Bhagavad-gita encompasses five main topics (atma, prakrti, karma, kala and isvara), the Srimad-Bhagavatam is composed of ten foundational subjects. Different teachers have varying explanations of the ten topics and their correlation to the Cantos. Jiva Goswami, the pre-eminent authority in the Gaudiya lineage, states that these topics are contained within each Canto, to a greater or lesser degree. In Tattva-sandarbha, the Goswami briefly discusses the scope of each subject, explaining that the first nine topics exist simply to help one approach and appreciate the tenth topic – the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, who is the shelter of all.

1. Sarga (Elemental Creation) Material universes are created to facilitate the desire of the living entity to exercise independence from the Lord. The process of creation begins with manifesting the basic ingredients - the five gross elements (panca-bhutas) are earth, water, fire, air and ether; the five objects of sensual perception (tanmatras) are sound, form, taste, smell, and touch; and the five knowledge acquiring senses (jnanendriyas) are the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin. Together with the mind, these sixteen principles are created by the first purusa incarnation, Maha Vishnu. Within these sixteen principles, eight other principles exist subtly, making a total of twenty-four principles.

2. Visarga (Brahma’s Creation) Conditioned living entities are illusioned to live in their ‘own worlds,’ thinking themselves to be unique and independent from others. To facilitate this illusory concept of life, the universe is full of variegatedness. By manipulating the original ‘building blocks’ of material existence, Brahma engineers a subsequent creation, more accurately described as an assembling of universal ingredients. Thus, a variety of life forms are created, each with a unique configuration and psychophysical makeup.

3. Sthanam (Maintenance and Planetary Systems) The Lord creates a suitable situation (sthanam) for the living entities to dwell in the material world and play out their desires, maintaining them however rebellious they may be. The supreme sthanam is Vaikuntha, the place where one can escape all misery and find eternal happiness. The Lord provides instructions to guide the living entities back there, since all situations in the material world are ultimately frustrating and entangling.

4. Posanam (Protection and Mercy of the Lord) According to one’s mentality and desires, the Lord reciprocates by offering protection and nourishment. Krishna maintains our gross physical body by arranging fundamental resources that provide the energy of life. He also maintains our subtle cognition by facilitating knowledge, remembrance and forgetfulness. For those who engage themselves in devotional service, the Lord offers spiritual mercy and protection so that they may quickly return to their original position; if someone takes one step to Krishna, He takes ten steps towards that devotee.

5. Utayah (The Creative Impetus) Bewildered by false ego, the living entity thinks himself the ‘doer,’ and thus engages in a variety of fruitive activities aimed at controlling and enjoying material nature. Every material activity we perform creates a residual impression within our psyche which we carry forward life after life. The accumulation of these impressions form our creative impetus.

6. Manvantara (Change of Manus) Manus are the kings who father mankind, and the manvantara signifies the time of their reign. These leaders deliver invaluable instructions which regulate the activities of living entities in a manner that will be for their material and spiritual welfare. They also provide an inspirational example for the world to follow. When the living entities embrace the path of righteousness, the Lord provides them with all protection by which they may attain their constitutional situation in the spirit world.

7. Isanukatha (Activities of the Incarnations) Throughout cosmic history, Krishna periodically descends to earth and reveals knowledge of the eternal reality. He annihilates demoniac influences, lovingly engages with His devotees, and re-establishes genuine spirituality within society. After the Lord returns to His abode, the recorded histories and accounts of His appearance have the same uplifting effect on anyone who attentively hears them.

8. Nirodha (Universal Dissolution) When cosmic time comes to its cyclical break, living entities who desire to remain in the material world merge into the body of Maha Vishnu to await the next universal creation, and another opportunity to re-establish their relationship with God. This temporary period of relief is technically called nirodha, or the winding up of the cosmic manifestation. Even though the entire creation is dismantled, the desire of living entities to continue their material existence remains – that’s the power of material desire, which can survive beyond universal time.

9. Mukti (Liberation) When living entities renounce all external identification with the principles of material existence, they are reinstated to their original spiritual identity as eternal servants of Krishna. After entering Vaikuntha, the spiritual abode of the Lord, they function in their constitutional position. This is known as mukti or liberation.

10. Asrayah (Supreme Shelter) The nine topics of the Srimad-Bhagavatam are meant to bring one to a deep understanding of the tenth, and most important, topic – the Supreme Lord, the Supreme source and shelter of all existence. When we re-establish our relationship with Krishna, all problems are solved, everything makes complete sense and life becomes a dynamic experience of spiritual joy.

Through these ten topics, Srimad-Bhagavatam offers us a comprehensive instruction manual to navigate our lives in this material world: “Srimad-Bhagavatam is declared to be the essence of all Vedanta philosophy. One who has felt satisfaction from its nectarean mellow will never be attracted to any other literature.” (SB 12.13.15)