Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 12.3.47
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionThe Lord’s Mercy Purifies the Heart
“Just as fire applied to gold removes any discoloration caused by traces of other metals, Lord Viṣṇu within the heart purifies the minds of the yogīs.”
What the purport teaches
- Just as fire removes discoloration from gold, Lord Viṣṇu within the heart purifies the minds of the yogīs.
- Actual spiritual advancement comes through the mercy of the Supreme Lord within the heart. It is not directly the result of austerity and meditation.
- Becoming proud in the name of yoga makes one’s spiritual position ridiculous. Spiritual practice calls for humility, not pride in personal effort.
Try this today
Before your spiritual practice today, pause and humbly ask Lord Viṣṇu for His purifying mercy.
Ask yourself
Do I credit spiritual progress only to my effort, or recognize the Lord’s mercy?
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.