Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.21
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesUnderstand Carefully Before You Reply
“Sūta Gosvāmī said: O best among the brāhmaṇas, the Emperor Parīkṣit, thus hearing the personality of religion speak, was fully satisfied, and without mistake or regret he gave his reply.”
What the purport teaches
- The personality of religion spoke with deep philosophy and knowledge. Hearing him, Mahārāja Parīkṣit understood that the suffering bull was not ordinary.
- Such philosophical truths require thorough knowledge of the Supreme Lord’s law.
- The King possessed equal wisdom and was satisfied by what he heard. He replied to the point, without doubts or mistakes.
Try this today
In one conversation today, listen fully and briefly restate the other person’s point before responding.
Ask yourself
Do I listen to understand before forming my reply?
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.