Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.18.32
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesPower Needs Maturity
“The sage had a son who was very powerful, being a brāhmaṇa’s son. While he was playing with inexperienced boys, he heard of his father’s distress, which was occasioned by the King. Then and there the boy spoke as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- Under Mahārāja Parīkṣit’s good government, even a young boy could acquire the power of a qualified brāhmaṇa.
- Śṛṅgi had received good training in brahmacarya from his father. Yet he remained inexperienced despite his power.
- Under Kali’s influence, the boy’s hatred of the lower social orders gave Kali an opening into Vedic culture. Mahārāja Parīkṣit became the first victim of this brahminical injustice, weakening his protection against Kali.
Try this today
Before using authority today, check whether contempt for someone is influencing your decision.
Ask yourself
Where might my abilities be greater than my maturity in using them?
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.