Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.11.36
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesPure Loving Service Satisfies the Self-Sufficient Lord
“Although the queens’ beautiful smiles and furtive glances were all spotless and exciting, and although they could conquer Cupid himself by making him give up his bow in frustration, and although even the tolerant Śiva could fall victim to them, still, despite all their magical feats and attractions, they could not agitate the senses of the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- The queens’ beauty could conquer Cupid, but it could not disturb Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental senses. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is ātmārāma, fully self-sufficient.
- Material attraction binds living beings to temporary existence. Association with the Lord’s devotees, called mahātmās, helps one become free from such attraction.
- The queens satisfied the Lord by sincere affection and service, not by their beauty. His loving reciprocation with them was transcendental, pure and unconditioned by material nature.
Try this today
Do one small act of devotional service today with the intention of pleasing Kṛṣṇa rather than gaining appreciation.
Ask yourself
How can I give more attention to sincere service than to outward attractiveness?
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.