Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.5.21
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLearn to Serve Through Revealed Literature
“Your Goodness has perfect vision. You yourself can know the Supersoul Personality of Godhead because you are present as the plenary portion of the Lord. Although you are birthless, you have appeared on this earth for the well-being of all people. Please, therefore, describe the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa more vividly.”
What the purport teaches
- Śrīla Vyāsadeva is an empowered plenary incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. He appeared by causeless mercy for the well-being of fallen souls.
- Living beings are parts and parcels of the Lord and His eternal servants. The Vedic literatures are arranged to help them become free from material bondage and return to loving service.
- By accepting Śrīla Nārada Ṛṣi as his spiritual master, Vyāsadeva teaches the need for a spiritual master through his own conduct. His descriptions of the Lord’s pastimes direct people to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet.
Try this today
Read a short passage about Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes today, and write down one teaching that helps you remember your relationship as His servant.
Ask yourself
Am I approaching spiritual literature with a willingness to receive guidance and serve the Lord?
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.