Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.14.39
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesChoose Service Over Claims of Mastery
“My dear Kṛṣṇa, I now humbly request permission to leave. Actually, You are the knower and seer of all things. Indeed, You are the Lord of all the universes, and yet I offer this one universe unto You.”
What the purport teaches
- Brahmā sometimes falsely thinks himself the master of his universe, but Kṛṣṇa is the master of all universes. Brahmā asks to be accepted as His surrendered servant.
- As the Supersoul in everyone’s heart, Kṛṣṇa knows and sees everything. Brahmā therefore need not remain in Vṛndāvana to maintain his personal loving contact with Him.
- Feeling unqualified to remain among Vṛndāvana’s intensely loving residents, Brahmā prefers to return to his own devotional service. He chooses loving service rather than trying to enjoy the Lord’s presence.
Try this today
Before one responsibility today, pray, “Kṛṣṇa, You are the master; please accept me as Your servant.”
Ask yourself
Where might I be claiming mastery instead of approaching Kṛṣṇa as His servant?
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.