Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.7.53
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHear Regularly, Respectfully and in Order
“The Lord’s activities in association with His different energies should be described, appreciated and heard in accordance with the teachings of the Supreme Lord. If this is done regularly with devotion and respect, one is sure to get out of the illusory energy of the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord’s activities should be described, appreciated and heard according to His teachings. Regular hearing with devotion and respect frees one from His illusory energy.
- The Lord’s activities involving His external and internal energies are equally good. Those still conditioned by material life should hear about His creation, maintenance and destruction of the worlds rather than imitate liberated souls or prematurely approach rāsa-līlā.
- Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam should be read or heard from the beginning, with its first nine cantos preparing one for the Tenth Canto. Such orderly study gradually raises the hearer to transcendental knowledge beyond illusion based on sense enjoyment.
Try this today
Set a regular five-minute reading time and continue Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in order, appreciating the Lord’s activities described there.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to build understanding patiently rather than jump to topics for which I am not prepared?
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.