Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.7.37
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesReligious Qualities Lead Toward Devotion
“When the atheists, after being well versed in the Vedic scientific knowledge, annihilate inhabitants of different planets, flying unseen in the sky on well-built rockets prepared by the great scientist Maya, the Lord will bewilder their minds by dressing Himself attractively as Buddha and will preach on subreligious principles.”
What the purport teaches
- The Buddha incarnation described here is not the Buddha known in present human history. According to Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, this incarnation appeared in a different Kali age.
- Nonviolence is an important quality of a religious person, and humility and freedom from pride must come first. One must also learn tolerance, simplicity and control of the senses.
- Moral instruction alone is only nearness to religious principles when God is not at the center. Ultimately, one must accept the Lord and become His devotee through devotional service.
Try this today
In one conversation today, practice humility by listening without asserting your importance, remembering the goal of service to the Lord.
Ask yourself
How could humility help you become less harmful toward other living beings?
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.