Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.57.30
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognize the Lord Beyond Familiarity
“In Akrūra’s absence ill omens arose in Dvārakā, and the citizens began to suffer continually from physical and mental distresses, as well as from disturbances caused by higher powers and by creatures of the earth.”
What the purport teaches
- The citizens suffered physical and mental distress and disturbances from higher powers and earthly creatures. The purport explains that supernatural disturbances can appear as natural calamities, while earthly troubles come from humans, animals and insects.
- According to Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī, Akrūra took the jewel to Benares and became known as Dānapati, “the master of charity.” He performed fire sacrifices on gold altars with qualified priests.
- Some citizens blamed Akrūra’s absence, forgetting the significance of the Supreme Lord’s presence. The purport warns that familiarity can obscure appreciation of the Lord and His associates, whose true position fortunate souls recognize.
Try this today
Reread one sentence from this verse’s purport slowly, with the intention of renewing your reverence for the Lord.
Ask yourself
Has familiarity with accounts of the Lord weakened my appreciation of His supreme position?
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.