Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.10.24
Sarga· CreationThe Lord Owns and Governs the Senses
“Thereafter when the Supreme Person desired to perform varieties of work, the two hands and their controlling strength, and Indra, the demigod in heaven, became manifested, as also the acts dependent on both the hands and the demigod.”
What the purport teaches
- When the Supreme Person desired to work, the hands, their strength and their controlling deity, Indra, appeared. The senses are never independent.
- The Lord is Hṛṣīkeśa, the Lord of the senses. Each sense is controlled by a demigod, and the demigods are servants of the Supreme Lord.
- No living entity can claim ownership of the senses. Pride in being their independent master keeps one under the control of māyā, even if one declares oneself liberated.
Try this today
Before using your hands for one task, remember Hṛṣīkeśa and acknowledge that their strength is not independently yours.
Ask yourself
Where do I mistake an ability entrusted to me for something I independently own?
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.