Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.2.17
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord’s Presence Makes a Dhāma
“While carrying the form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead within the core of his heart, Vasudeva bore the Lord’s transcendentally illuminating effulgence, and thus he became as bright as the sun. He was therefore very difficult to see or approach through sensory perception. Indeed, he was unapproachable and unperceivable even for such formidable men as Kaṁsa, and not only for Kaṁsa but for all living entities.”
What the purport teaches
- Carrying the Supreme Personality of Godhead within his heart, Vasudeva became as bright as the sun. The Lord’s effulgence made him difficult to perceive or approach.
- Dhāma means the place where the Supreme Personality of Godhead resides. Wherever His name, form, qualities or paraphernalia are present immediately becomes a dhāma.
- When the Lord empowers someone to act, the core of that person’s heart becomes a dhāma. Such extraordinary power astonishes both enemies and people in general.
Try this today
Speak the Lord’s name attentively in your study space today, remembering the significance of His presence.
Ask yourself
How does this teaching change the way I regard a place where the Lord’s name is spoken?
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.