Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.2.5
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSaintly Mercy Seeks Everyone’s Lasting Happiness
“The activities of demigods lead to both misery and happiness for living beings, but the activities of great saints like you, who have accepted the infallible Lord as their very soul, result only in the happiness of all beings.”
What the purport teaches
- Demigods administer material necessities under the Supreme Lord’s authority. Their activities bring either happiness or suffering according to the performance of sacrifice.
- Saints such as Nārada Muni accept the infallible Lord as their very soul and are always merciful to all living beings. Their concern is to enlighten others in devotional service to Kṛṣṇa.
- A sādhu is tolerant, peaceful and friendly to all embodied beings, including animals and trees. Even when opposed, such a devotee works for others’ ultimate relief from material entanglement.
Try this today
In one difficult interaction today, practice the sādhu’s tolerance by responding calmly and without hostility.
Ask yourself
How can you show mercy while remaining peaceful when someone opposes you?
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.