Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.12.16
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSpeak Honestly About Spiritual Doubt
“Śrī Uddhava said: O Lord of all masters of mystic power, I have heard Your words, but the doubt in my heart does not go away; thus my mind is bewildered.”
What the purport teaches
- Uddhava has heard Kṛṣṇa’s instructions, yet doubt remains in his heart. By openly disclosing his bewilderment, he reveals his intimate friendship with the Lord.
- Instructions about worldly duties, philosophical knowledge and surrender leave Uddhava uncertain about what he should actually do. He wants Kṛṣṇa to explain the practical course in simple terms.
- The instructions ultimately lead to the single goal of Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself. Philosophical speculation cannot be perfected without devotional service, whose development and perfection depend on association with devotees.
Try this today
Write down one sincere question about devotional service to discuss with a devotee.
Ask yourself
What spiritual doubt would I like to express honestly so that I can better understand how to serve Kṛṣṇa?
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.