Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.9.5
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSpiritual Achievement Is Open to All
“Just to see the chief of the descendants of King Bharata [Bhīṣma], all the great souls in the universe, namely the ṛṣis amongst the demigods, brāhmaṇas and kings, all situated in the quality of goodness, were assembled there.”
What the purport teaches
- Ṛṣis are those who have attained perfection through spiritual achievements. Such achievements are open to everyone, whether a king or a mendicant.
- Bhīṣmadeva was himself one of the brahmarṣis and the chief of King Bharata’s descendants.
- All ṛṣis are situated in the quality of goodness. Sages among demigods, brāhmaṇas and kings gathered upon hearing of Bhīṣmadeva’s approaching death.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes for spiritual study today, whatever your daily occupation.
Ask yourself
Do I think my outward circumstances prevent me from making spiritual progress?
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.