Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.2.26
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRespect Devotees as the Lord’s Representatives
“King Videha [Nimi] understood that the nine sages were exalted devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, overjoyed at their auspicious arrival, he offered them suitable sitting places and worshiped them in a proper way, just as one would worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”
What the purport teaches
- Nimi recognized the sages as exalted devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Overjoyed by their arrival, he offered seats and worshiped them according to proper Vaiṣṇava etiquette.
- An exalted Vaiṣṇava is fully surrendered to the Lord’s will and serves as His transparent representative. Even a moment’s association with pure devotees can bring all perfection in life.
- Respecting the Lord’s representative does not mean that every living being is equal to God. Knowing Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead leads to full devotional service and sincere respect for His devotees.
Try this today
Offer a devotee a seat or another small act of respectful hospitality, without expecting anything in return.
Ask yourself
Is my respect for devotees an expression of love for the Lord, rather than a search for personal advantage?
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.