Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.8.1
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesReceive Knowledge Through Disciplic Succession
“King Parīkṣit inquired from Śukadeva Gosvāmī: How did Nārada Muni, whose hearers are as fortunate as those instructed by Lord Brahmā, explain the transcendental qualities of the Lord, who is without material qualities, and before whom did he speak?”
What the purport teaches
- Vedic knowledge comes down from the Supreme Lord through disciplic succession, not through mental speculation. Nārada received this knowledge from Brahmājī, who was instructed by the Lord.
- A bona fide spiritual master faithfully passes on the Lord’s original instruction. The teaching must not differ from what the Lord imparted.
- The Lord being aguṇa does not mean that He has no qualities. His name and qualities are transcendental, free from material goodness, passion and ignorance.
Try this today
Reread this purport and note its test for a bona fide spiritual master.
Ask yourself
How can I give more attention to faithfully received teachings rather than my own speculation?
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.