Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.6.13
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRenunciation Means Devotion, Not Changed Dress
“I then passed alone through many forests of rushes, bamboo, reeds, sharp grass, weeds and caves, which were very difficult to go through alone. I visited deep, dark and dangerously fearful forests, which were the play yards of snakes, owls and jackals.”
What the purport teaches
- A traveling mendicant experiences varieties of God’s creation to gain faith and strength of mind. He also enlightens others with the message of God.
- A change of dress is only a formality; the purpose of renunciation is exclusive service to the Lord. In the Age of Kali, sannyāsa is forbidden for ordinary men.
- Hearing and repeating the Lord’s holy glories is strongly recommended in this age. One need not imitate the dangerous travels of Nārada or Lord Caitanya.
Try this today
Spend five minutes reading aloud from the holy scriptures with attention to the Lord’s glories.
Ask yourself
Am I giving more attention to outward appearance or to actual service to 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.