Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.19.10
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionSincerely Appeal for Kṛṣṇa’s Mercy
“O almighty Lord, please be merciful and uplift this hopeless living entity who has fallen into the dark hole of material existence, where the snake of time has bitten him. In spite of such abominable conditions, this poor living entity has tremendous desire to relish the most insignificant material happiness. Please save me, my Lord, by pouring down the nectar of Your instructions, which awaken one to spiritual freedom.”
What the purport teaches
- Material existence is like a dark hole threatened by the poisonous snake of time. Although material happiness is insignificant, our tremendous desire for it keeps us distressed and bound.
- Śrī Uddhava humbly represents fallen souls and asks the Lord to uplift them. Neither learning nor bodily advantages can save one without Lord Kṛṣṇa’s mercy.
- Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, manifests His mercy through His nectarean instructions. He generously hears sincere appeals, even from those who are not great or pure devotees.
Try this today
Read the verse’s prayer slowly, then sincerely ask Kṛṣṇa for His mercy and help in receiving His instructions.
Ask yourself
What temporary source of happiness am I seeking with disproportionate desire?
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.