Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.19.32
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionReceive Saintly Mercy With Humility
“The fortunate King Parīkṣit said: O brāhmaṇa, by your mercy only, you have sanctified us, making us like unto places of pilgrimage, all by your presence here as my guest. By your mercy, we, who are but unworthy royalty, become eligible to serve the devotee.”
What the purport teaches
- Saintly devotees like Śukadeva Gosvāmī are not interested in the company of worldly enjoyers. He came to Mahārāja Parīkṣit because the King was a great devotee.
- Although Mahārāja Parīkṣit was as great as his predecessors, devotional humility made him feel unworthy. He regarded the opportunity to serve the devotee as mercy.
- The King felt encouraged and sanctified by Śukadeva Gosvāmī’s presence. Such a saint’s presence turns a place into a place of pilgrimage.
Try this today
Offer one small service to a devotee today with gratitude.
Ask yourself
Do I receive opportunities to serve devotees as mercy rather than as something I deserve?
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.