Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.23.6
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesTrue Authority Represents the Supreme Lord
“[The cowherd boys said:] O earthly gods, please hear us. We cowherd boys are executing the orders of Kṛṣṇa, and we have been sent here by Balarāma. We wish all good for you. Please acknowledge our arrival.”
What the purport teaches
- The title “earthly gods” refers to brāhmaṇas who are supposed to closely represent the Supreme Lord’s will; it does not mean that human beings are God.
- Authority descends from the Absolute Truth Himself, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Purified, enlightened brāhmaṇas represent His will and authority on earth.
- These ritualistic brāhmaṇas were not properly enlightened and could not appreciate Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma or Their associates. Their position exposes the pretension of so-called brāhmaṇas who are not faithful devotees.
Try this today
Reflect on one religious quality you admire, and consider how it supports faithful service to Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Do you value faithful devotion more than religious titles or status?
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.