Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.13.45
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLesser Power Cannot Rival Kṛṣṇa
“As the darkness of snow on a dark night and the light of a glowworm in the light of day have no value, the mystic power of an inferior person who tries to use it against a person of great power is unable to accomplish anything; instead, the power of that inferior person is diminished.”
What the purport teaches
- A glowworm’s light has no value in daylight, and darkness produced by snow adds nothing on a dark night. These comparisons show the insignificance of lesser power before greater power.
- Brahmā’s mystic power became worthless in the presence of Kṛṣṇa’s mystic power. Kṛṣṇa’s power was not diminished.
- Trying to surpass a superior power makes one’s own inferior power ludicrous. Therefore, one should not try to display insignificant opulence before a greater power.
Try this today
When you feel proud of an ability today, pause and remember how small Brahmā’s power appeared before Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
How can the image of a glowworm in daylight help you keep your abilities in perspective?
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.