Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.7.1-2
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHearing About Kṛṣṇa Revives Devotion
“King Parīkṣit said: My lord, Śukadeva Gosvāmī, all the various activities exhibited by the incarnations of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are certainly pleasing to the ear and to the mind. Simply by one’s hearing of these activities, the dirty things in one’s mind immediately vanish. Generally we are reluctant to hear about the activities of the Lord, but Kṛṣṇa’s childhood activities are so attractive that they are automatically pleasing to the mind and ear. Thus one’s attachment for hearing about material things, which is the root cause of material existence, vanishes, and one gradually develops devotional service to the Supreme Lord, attachment for Him, and friendship with devotees who give us the contribution of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. If you think it fit, kindly speak about those activities of the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- Our material suffering can be removed by reviving Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This revival begins with hearing and chanting about Kṛṣṇa.
- Kṛṣṇa’s childhood activities are especially attractive to the mind and ear. Hearing them purifies the heart and lessens attachment to hearing about material things.
- Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes can be properly received from devotees. Such hearing gradually develops devotional service to the Supreme Lord, attachment for Him, and friendship with His devotees.
Try this today
Spend five minutes hearing a devotee read or explain Kṛṣṇa’s childhood activities.
Ask yourself
What draws me to hear more about Kṛṣṇa’s childhood activities?
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.