Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.12.23
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSeek the Shelter of the Supreme Lord
“This child will be like his grandfather Yudhiṣṭhira or Brahmā in equanimity of mind. He will be munificent like the lord of the Kailāsa Hill, Śiva. And he will be the resort of everyone, like the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa, who is even the shelter of the goddess of fortune.”
What the purport teaches
- Those responsible for others’ welfare must maintain mental equanimity, even under criticism. Both Brahmā and Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira exemplify this steadiness.
- Lord Śiva is easily pleased and remarkably generous in giving gifts. The purport also shows that gifts given without considering their aftereffects can cause trouble.
- Lord Viṣṇu maintains all living beings and shelters the goddess of fortune. We should seek His protection rather than seek fortune independently of Him.
Try this today
Offer a brief prayer for the protection of Lord Viṣṇu rather than for material gain.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking the Lord’s protection, or expecting material prosperity alone to protect me?
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.