Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.67.2
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDisrespect and Bad Association Bring Ruin
“Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: There was an ape named Dvivida who was a friend of Narakāsura’s. This powerful Dvivida, the brother of Mainda, had been instructed by King Sugrīva.”
What the purport teaches
- Dvivida was powerful, the brother of Mainda, and a friend of Narakāsura. Although an associate of Lord Rāmacandra, he became corrupted by bad association.
- Proud of his strength, Dvivida disrespected Lakṣmaṇa and others. The purport explains that his bad association was a reaction to this offense.
- Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī and Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura differ in explaining Dvivida’s identity, but agree that bad association ruined him. The account warns against offending great personalities.
Try this today
Offer one sincere expression of respect to someone whose devotional service you value.
Ask yourself
Does pride in my abilities make me less respectful toward others?
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.