Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.16.26-30
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa’s Qualities and Protection Are Unlimited
“In Him reside (1) truthfulness, (2) cleanliness, (3) intolerance of another’s unhappiness, (4) the power to control anger, (5) self-satisfaction, (6) straightforwardness, (7) steadiness of mind, (8) control of the sense organs, (9) responsibility, (10) equality, (11) tolerance, (12) equanimity, (13) faithfulness, (14) knowledge, (15) absence of sense enjoyment, (16) leadership, (17) chivalry, (18) influence, (19) the power to make everything possible, (20) the discharge of proper duty, (21) complete independence, (22) dexterity, (23) fullness of all beauty, (24) serenity, (25) kindheartedness, (26) ingenuity, (27) gentility, (28) magnanimity, (29) determination, (30) perfection in all knowledge, (31) proper execution, (32) possession of all objects of enjoyment, (33) joyfulness, (34) immovability, (35) fidelity, (36) fame, (37) worship, (38) pridelessness, (39) being (as the Personality of Godhead), (40) eternity, and many other transcendental qualities which are eternally present and never to be separated from Him. That Personality of Godhead, the reservoir of all goodness and beauty, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, has now closed His transcendental pastimes on the face of the earth. In His absence the Age of Kali has spread its influence everywhere, so I am sorry to see this condition of existence.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose transcendental qualities cannot be fully counted. His goodness and beauty are eternal and never separate from Him.
- The Lord is equally kind to everyone, yet He gives particular attention to those engaged in His loving service. He protects surrendered souls and guides pure devotees on the path back to Godhead.
- The Lord never fails to keep His promise of protection. The devotee’s duty is to remain steady in the service entrusted by the Lord or the spiritual master, knowing that devotional service is itself the benefit.
Try this today
Read one quality from the translation and spend a minute reflecting on how it encourages your trust in Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
How might remembering the Lord’s unfailing protection help me become steadier in devotional service?
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.