Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.6.27-29
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionRemember Viṣṇu, the Real Protector
“The evil witches known as Ḍākinīs, Yātudhānīs and Kuṣmāṇḍas are the greatest enemies of children, and the evil spirits like Bhūtas, Pretas, Piśācas, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas and Vināyakas, as well as witches like Koṭarā, Revatī, Jyeṣṭhā, Pūtanā and Mātṛkā, are always ready to give trouble to the body, the life air and the senses, causing loss of memory, madness and bad dreams. Like the most experienced evil stars, they all create great disturbances, especially for children, but one can vanquish them simply by uttering Lord Viṣṇu’s name, for when Lord Viṣṇu’s name resounds, all of them become afraid and go away.”
What the purport teaches
- Govinda, or Lord Viṣṇu, is one, although He has different names and forms with which to act differently. His forms are manifest to pure, unalloyed devotees.
- If remembering all His names is difficult, one may simply chant, “Lord Viṣṇu, Lord Viṣṇu, Lord Viṣṇu,” and think of Him. Remembering and worshiping Viṣṇu is the highest form of worship.
- Lord Viṣṇu is the real protector, and one should remember Him even while taking medicine. Chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra makes constant remembrance easier.
Try this today
Take one quiet minute today to chant “Lord Viṣṇu” and remember Him as your protector.
Ask yourself
How could remembering Viṣṇu become part of your daily care for yourself?
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.