Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.18.20
Āśraya· The supreme shelterThe Supreme Lord Is Completely Independent
“It is now ascertained that He [the Personality of Godhead] is unlimited and there is none equal to Him. Consequently no one can speak of Him adequately. Great demigods cannot obtain the favor of the goddess of fortune even by prayers, but this very goddess renders service unto the Lord, although He is unwilling to have such service.”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead has no equal, and no one excels Him. His unlimited potencies carry out everything naturally and perfectly.
- The Lord is full in Himself and needs nothing from anyone. Even the goddess of fortune, whose favor others seek, is eternally engaged in His service.
- Having nothing to do does not mean that the Lord is impersonal. Simply by His willing, everything is accomplished; therefore He is called Yogeśvara, the Lord of all mystic powers.
Try this today
Take one minute to reflect on the goddess of fortune’s service to the Lord, who is already complete in Himself.
Ask yourself
How does knowing that the Lord needs nothing deepen my understanding of service to Him?
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.