Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.13.7
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesReceive Every Guest With Care
“After Vidura ate sumptuously and took sufficient rest, he was comfortably seated. Then the King began to speak to him, and all who were present there listened.”
What the purport teaches
- Yudhiṣṭhira was expert in receiving guests, including his own family members. Vidura was offered bathing, a sumptuous meal, sufficient rest, and a comfortable seat before conversation began.
- The purport teaches that even an enemy received at home should not feel afraid. A guest should be treated as a relative.
- After Vidura had rested, Yudhiṣṭhira began to speak about family and other happenings. Everyone present listened.
Try this today
Before beginning a conversation today, ask whether the other person needs rest or refreshment.
Ask yourself
Do I attend to another person’s comfort before expecting conversation?
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.