Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.4.8
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesServe Without Pride and Welcome Others
“The primeval Lord, understanding the offense committed by Indra, did not become proud. Instead He spoke laughingly as follows to Cupid and his followers, who were trembling before Him: “Do not fear, O mighty Madana, O wind-god and wives of the demigods. Rather, please accept these gifts I am offering you and kindly sanctify My āśrama by your presence.””
What the purport teaches
- Penances that make one proud are considered material. One should not think, “I am a great, austere personality.”
- Śrī Nara-Nārāyaṇa understood the offense but reassured the trembling visitors. Instead of cursing them, He offered them prasādam and articles of worship.
- An āśrama is meant for practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness and encouraging others, not personal sense gratification. Its residents welcome guests to hear about Kṛṣṇa and chant His holy name.
Try this today
Invite someone to join you briefly in hearing about Kṛṣṇa or chanting His holy name.
Ask yourself
Does my spiritual practice make me more welcoming or more proud?
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.