Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.11.18
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLet Respect Be Filled With Affection
“They hastened toward the Lord on chariots with brāhmaṇas bearing flowers. Before them were elephants, emblems of good fortune. Conchshells and bugles were sounded, and Vedic hymns were chanted. Thus they offered their respects, which were saturated with affection.”
What the purport teaches
- The welcoming party hurried toward the Lord on chariots, accompanied by brāhmaṇas bearing flowers. Their respects were saturated with affection.
- Elephants, conchshells, bugles and Vedic hymns helped create an auspicious atmosphere. The purport also mentions incense and qualified brāhmaṇas reciting Vedic literature.
- The Vedic way of receiving a great personality combines respect, affection and veneration. Such a reception is full of sincerity on both sides.
Try this today
Offer the Lord a flower today, taking a moment to express your respect and affection sincerely.
Ask yourself
Is my expression of respect to the Lord accompanied by genuine affection?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.