Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.5.33
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionTake Shelter of the Lord’s Lotus Feet
“My dear Lord, You are the Mahā-puruṣa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and I worship Your lotus feet, which are the only eternal object of meditation. Those feet destroy the embarrassing conditions of material life and freely award the greatest desire of the soul, the attainment of pure love of Godhead. My dear Lord, Your lotus feet are the shelter of all holy places and of all saintly authorities in the line of devotional service and are honored by powerful demigods like Lord Śiva and Lord Brahmā. My Lord, You are so kind that You willingly protect all those who simply bow down to You with respect, and thus You mercifully relieve all the distress of Your servants. In conclusion, my Lord, Your lotus feet are actually the suitable boat for crossing over the ocean of birth and death, and therefore even Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva seek shelter at Your lotus feet.””
What the purport teaches
- Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is Kṛṣṇa Himself, teaches chanting the holy names as the process of meditation for this age. The Lord has invested all His potencies in His holy name, with no restrictions of time or place for chanting.
- Taking shelter of the Lord does not make the material body permanent. It loosens our false identification with the body and mind, allowing us to be blissful even in adverse conditions.
- The Lord’s lotus feet are the shelter of all holy places and the boat for crossing the ocean of birth and death. They award pure love of Godhead, and a sincere devotee should continue devotional service with confidence in the Lord’s protection.
Try this today
During one difficult moment today, pause to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and sincerely ask for shelter at the Lord’s lotus feet.
Ask yourself
When difficulties arise, how can I turn toward the Lord’s shelter rather than identify only with my body and mind?
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.