Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.13.38
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognize the Supreme Teacher
“My dear brāhmaṇas, I have now explained to you the confidential knowledge of Sāṅkhya, by which one philosophically distinguishes matter from spirit, and of aṣṭāṅga-yoga, by which one links up with the Supreme. Please understand that I am the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu, and that I have appeared before you desiring to explain your actual religious duties.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord has explained confidential knowledge of Sāṅkhya, which distinguishes matter from spirit, and aṣṭāṅga-yoga, which links one with the Supreme.
- Lord Kṛṣṇa formally identifies Himself as Viṣṇu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This strengthens the faith of Brahmā’s sons and establishes the authority of His teachings.
- The Lord appeared to explain their actual religious duties. By answering their question about His identity, Lord Haṁsa enlightened Brahmā and his sons.
Try this today
Reread the Lord’s declaration of His identity and purpose, giving it a moment of attentive reflection.
Ask yourself
How does knowing the teacher’s identity affect my trust in these instructions?
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.