SB 1.1.6 (1962)
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
TEXT No. 6
Rishaya Uchuh:- Twaya khalu puranani setihasani cha anagha Akhyatani api adhitani dharma shastrani yani uta.
ENGLISH SYNONYMS
Rishaya—the sages, uchuh—said, twaya—by you, khalu—undoubtedly, puranani—supplementary to the Vedas with illustrative narration, setihasani—with the histories also, cha—and, anagha—freed from all vices, Akhyatani—explained, api—although, adhitani—well read, dharma shastrani—scriptures giving right directions to progressive life, yani—all these, uta—said.
TRANSLATION
The sages said, "Respected Suta Goswami, you are completely freed from all vices. You are well versed in all the scriptures that are famous for religious life as well as in the Puranas and histories as you have gone through them under proper guidance as also explained them.
PURPORT
A Goswami or the rightful representative of Srila Vyasadeva must be free from all kinds of vices. The preliminary vices are 1. Illicit connection with women, 2. Indulgence of unnecessary animal slaughter, 3. To live a life of intoxication and 4. Endeavouring in the matter of speculative gambling of all descriptions. A Goswami therefore, is freed from all these symptomatic uncleanness before he can dare to sit on the Vysa Asana. Noboby should be allowed to sit on the Vyasa Asana who is not spotless in character with special reference to the above four principles. He shall not only be freed from all such vices but also he must be well versed in all revealed scriptures or the Vedas. The Puranas are also parts of the Vedas. And histories like the Mahabharata or Ramayana are also parts of the Vedas. The Acharya or the Goswami must be well acquainted with all these literary field. To hear and explain them is more important than reading. One can only assimilate the knowledge of the revealed scriptures by hearing and explaining. Hearing is called SHRABAN and explaining is called KIRTAN. Therefore these two processes namely Shraban and Kirtan are two principal factors in the progressive spiritual life. One who has properly grasped the transcendental knowledge from the right source by submissive hearing only can properly explain the subject.