Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.13.38
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHonor Those Who Glorify the Lord
“While Sañjaya was thus speaking, Śrī Nārada, the powerful devotee of the Lord, appeared on the scene carrying his tumburu. Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira and his brothers received him properly by getting up from their seats and offering obeisances.”
What the purport teaches
- When Nārada arrived, Yudhiṣṭhira and his brothers rose and offered obeisances. They showed how to receive a pure devotee respectfully.
- Nārada is called bhagavān because he is a most confidential devotee of the Lord. Those engaged in loving service honor such devotees with respect like that offered to the Personality of Godhead Himself.
- Confidential devotees are especially dear to the Lord because they spread His glories and help others become devotees. Nārada’s life was devoted to singing the Lord’s glories with his vīṇā.
Try this today
Listen attentively today to a devotee glorifying the Lord, and express your appreciation.
Ask yourself
How do I show respect for those who help others become devoted to the Lord?
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.