Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.14.9
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesA Spark Cannot Challenge the Fire
“My Lord, just see my uncivilized impudence! To test Your power I tried to extend my illusory potency to cover You, the unlimited and primeval Supersoul, who bewilder even the masters of illusion. What am I compared to You? I am just like a small spark in the presence of a great fire.”
What the purport teaches
- Brahmā’s attempt to bewilder Kṛṣṇa was like a small spark trying to burn the fire that produced it. Even the universe’s creator is insignificant beside the Supreme Lord.
- Kṛṣṇa is the supreme master of everyone, including Brahmā. Brahmā creates the universe directly under His guidance.
- Ashamed of his impudence, Brahmā was willing to accept either punishment or forgiveness. Kṛṣṇa kindly disciplines His devotees to protect their devotional sentiments and guide them back to Godhead.
Try this today
Recall one ability you feel proud of and offer a short prayer acknowledging your dependence on Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
How might pride in my abilities interfere with accepting Kṛṣṇa as my master?
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.