Let's start on an auspicious note gam ganapataye namaha The sage Shaunaka questions the Suta Puranik. O Suta, you are a great scholar, clearly aware of the principles and meanings of all the scriptures. Therefore, explain to me the essence of the Puranas in particular. How do great virtue, good devotion to God, and the wisdom that leads to such actions develop? How is the destruction of the impurities of the mind also done by the virtuous? The idea here is that devotion to God alone is not enough; the mind must be concentrated on it, which is what all the scriptures and Puranas describe as concentration. For the mind to be inclined in this way, purification of the mind is necessary. Such purification of the mind means getting rid of internal impurities. In this Kali Yuga, the most terrible of all the ages, perhaps all living beings will be demonic, that is, they will be dominated by the five qualities and will have an evil nature. They are asking whether there is a better way to get rid of this and guide them on the right path. The three qualities are Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Those endowed with the qualities of Sattva are peaceful, restrained and devoted to good deeds. Those endowed with the qualities of Rajas are strict in their justice, punish only those who deserve punishment, respect the virtuous, and are moderate in their nature, and do not cause trouble to others without cause. Those endowed with the qualities of Tamas are like demons, without any distinction between the virtuous and the wicked, and are terrifying, torturing everyone without cause. Tell me now what is better than anything good in this world, and what is more holy than anything holy, so that people of the above kind may become inclined towards the right path. Here is a subtle thought, which may seem meaningless on the surface, but when examined closely, it has a profound meaning. In the 'Kathupanishad', Yamadeva has explained the 'thought of goodness' very well in the dialogue between Yama and the nachiketa. . 'Preyassu' and 'Shreyassu' are of two types. 'Preyassu' is obtained through sacrifice, chanting, karma, Shastra, poetry, and deeds. It has heavenly and earthly fruits. 'Shreyassu' means: It has the fruit of eternal knowledge, which is the fruit of salvation. Therefore, the meaning of 'Shreyassu' is that which gives salvation without birth and death, and The Suttas say. O great sage, you are blessed because you have a love and respect for the scriptures related to Shiva. Therefore, after thinking carefully, I will tell you the best scripture. Interest in good deeds and in the true scriptures is obtained through many merits. That is why the Suttas say, 'Blessed'. Now, 'Sastra' means, here, 'Which scripture is the beginning', one may doubt. That which is prescribed to be done in this way is called 'Sastra'. The final conclusion of all the scriptures and Puranas is the opinion of the sages who have well explained the Puranas. This Shiva Purana is the most sacred and great scripture. This Shiva Purana is the manifestation of Shiva on earth. Therefore, this Shiva Purana, which is the manifestation of Shiva, should be consumed with all efforts.
