Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.14.11
Āśraya· The supreme shelterRecognize Kṛṣṇa’s Immeasurable Greatness
“What am I, a small creature measuring seven spans of my own hand? I am enclosed in a potlike universe composed of material nature, the total material energy, false ego, ether, air, water and earth. And what is Your glory? Unlimited universes pass through the pores of Your body just as particles of dust pass through the openings of a screened window.”
What the purport teaches
- Although Brahmā manages the entire universe, he cannot compare with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. His prayer offers a lesson to anyone proud of accumulated power.
- This universe may appear gigantic, but it can be measured. Unlimited other universes exist beyond this Brahmā’s jurisdiction.
- Countless universes in seedling form emerge from the bodily pores of Mahā-Viṣṇu, who is part of Kṛṣṇa’s plenary expansion. Brahmā thus recognizes his smallness before Kṛṣṇa.
Try this today
Read the verse’s comparison of universes to dust particles slowly, then offer a brief prayer acknowledging Kṛṣṇa’s greatness.
Ask yourself
How does Brahmā’s recognition of his smallness change my view of my own importance?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.