Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.6.37
Āśraya· The supreme shelterLearn About Kṛṣṇa From Recognized Authorities
“Since neither Lord Śiva nor you nor I could ascertain the limits of spiritual happiness, how can other demigods know it? And because all of us are bewildered by the illusory, external energy of the Supreme Lord, we can see only this manifested cosmos according to our individual ability.”
What the purport teaches
- Even Brahmā, Nārada and Lord Śiva cannot fully know the potencies of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Each living being observes the manifested cosmos according to individual ability.
- The three modes of material nature—goodness, passion and ignorance—bewilder living beings. Under their influence, one fails to understand that beyond the material manifestations is Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Person and controller of everything.
- Brahmā, Nārada and Lord Śiva know the Lord to a considerable extent, so we should follow their instructions. The Vedas, presented by recognized authorities, inform us about the Absolute Truth.
Try this today
Reread this verse’s translation and purport, and write down one teaching to accept with humility.
Ask yourself
How willing am I to learn from recognized spiritual authorities rather than rely only on my own estimates?
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.