Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.19.39
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesValue Brief Opportunities for Spiritual Guidance
“O powerful brāhmaṇa, it is said that you hardly stay in the houses of men long enough to milk a cow.”
What the purport teaches
- Renounced saints may visit householders briefly to receive simple support. The purport describes maintaining saints and sages as a householder’s duty.
- Śukadeva Gosvāmī rarely stayed in a house even as long as it takes to milk a cow. Mahārāja Parīkṣit therefore wanted to receive instruction without delay.
- Householders should seek transcendental knowledge from visiting sages, not things available in the market. Material support and spiritual instruction form their reciprocal relationship.
Try this today
Prepare one question seeking transcendental knowledge for your next opportunity to speak with a saintly devotee.
Ask yourself
When I meet a saintly person, do I seek spiritual understanding or material favors?
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.