Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 12.10.26
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesValue Spiritual Wisdom, Not Personal Praise
“Sūta Gosvāmī said: Drinking with his ears Lord Śiva’s nectarean words, full of the confidential essence of religion, Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi could not be satiated.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śiva’s words were like nectar, filled with the confidential essence of religion.
- Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi was not eager to hear himself praised. He appreciated Lord Śiva’s deep realization of religious principles.
- The sage could not feel satisfied with hearing those words and desired to hear more.
Try this today
Reread one spiritual instruction today, focusing on what it teaches rather than how it makes you feel about yourself.
Ask yourself
When someone speaks appreciatively of me, do I seek praise or listen for something spiritually valuable?
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.