Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.19.29
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesWelcome Great Devotees With Humble Respect
“Mahārāja Parīkṣit, who is also known as Viṣṇurāta [one who is always protected by Viṣṇu], bowed his head to receive the chief guest, Śukadeva Gosvāmī. At that time all the ignorant women and boys ceased following Śrīla Śukadeva. Receiving respect from all, Śukadeva Gosvāmī took his exalted seat.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Parīkṣit was glad to receive a great devotee of the Lord. He bowed before Śukadeva Gosvāmī with all the limbs of his body.
- Śukadeva Gosvāmī reciprocated the greetings with embraces, handshakes, nods and bows, especially honoring his father and Nārada Muni. He was then offered the presidential seat.
- Those who had followed him frivolously withdrew when they saw the respect shown by the King and sages. The gathering became grave and calm.
Try this today
Offer a devotee a thoughtful greeting today, giving them your full and respectful attention.
Ask yourself
How can my welcome of a devotee express genuine humility rather than mere formality?
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.