Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.1.36
Āśraya· The supreme shelterCreation Reveals the Lord’s Supreme Personality
“Varieties of birds are indications of His masterful artistic sense. Manu, the father of mankind, is the emblem of His standard intelligence, and humanity is His residence. The celestial species of human beings, like the Gandharvas, Vidyādharas, Cāraṇas and angels, all represent His musical rhythm, and the demoniac soldiers are representations of His wonderful prowess.”
What the purport teaches
- The colorful varieties of birds manifest the Lord’s artistic sense, and celestial music represents His musical sense. His taste, artistry and unfailing intelligence are signs of His supreme personality, not impersonality.
- Human life is meant for God realization and association with God. It is a chance for the conditioned soul to regain eternal God consciousness and fulfill life’s mission.
- Every living being has a particular duty in relation to the Lord’s supreme body. Reestablishing this relationship brings unity among living beings, and glorifying the Supreme Lord is the way to peace and amity.
Try this today
Notice a bird today, or recall one you have seen, and take a moment to appreciate the Lord’s artistic sense.
Ask yourself
How might recognizing your relationship with the Lord help you relate more peacefully to others?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.