Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.5.24
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionDiscipline Helps Us Receive Devotional Guidance
“Although they were impartial by nature, those followers of the Vedānta blessed me with their causeless mercy. As far as I was concerned, I was self-controlled and had no attachment for sports, even though I was a boy. In addition, I was not naughty, and I did not speak more than required.”
What the purport teaches
- The Vedas establish our relationship with the Personality of Godhead, our duties in devotional service and the goal of returning to Godhead.
- Pure devotees distribute knowledge of devotional service impartially, without distinguishing between educated and uneducated people. They work to awaken everyone’s lost relationship with the Personality of Godhead.
- Self-control, discipline and obedience are essential for following the spiritual master’s instructions. The boy’s restrained speech and behavior show the importance of such training.
Try this today
In one conversation today, listen carefully and speak only as much as needed.
Ask yourself
Which habit of speech or behavior could you discipline to receive spiritual guidance more attentively?
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.