Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.19.30
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesNever Minimize the Lord’s Devotee
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī was then surrounded by saintly sages and demigods just as the moon is surrounded by stars, planets and other heavenly bodies. His presence was gorgeous, and he was respected by all.”
What the purport teaches
- Śukadeva Gosvāmī shone among the assembled sages and demigods like the moon among the stars. Everyone respected him.
- Although some in the assembly were powerful incarnations of the Lord, Śukadeva Gosvāmī excelled them in the respect he received.
- The purport explains that the Lord’s devotee is more honored than the Lord Himself. We should therefore never minimize a devotee like Śukadeva Gosvāmī.
Try this today
Take a moment today to express sincere respect for a devotee’s service to the Lord.
Ask yourself
Do I recognize the importance of the Lord’s devotees beyond their titles or public standing?
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.