Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.8.24
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesAsk Sincerely and Remain Open
“O great sage, representative of the Lord, kindly satisfy my inquisitiveness in all that I have inquired from you and all that I may not have inquired from you from the very beginning of my questionings. Since I am a soul surrendered unto you, please impart full knowledge in this connection.”
What the purport teaches
- The spiritual master is prepared to impart knowledge, especially when the disciple is sincerely inquisitive. Such inquisitiveness is necessary for progress.
- One should approach a spiritual master with genuine interest in self-realization, not merely to make a show of discipleship.
- Mahārāja Parīkṣit wanted to learn even what he had not thought to ask. The bona fide spiritual master can enlighten the disciple beyond the limits of the disciple’s questions.
Try this today
Write one genuine question about self-realization, leaving space to note guidance beyond what you asked.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to receive guidance about things I have not yet thought to ask?
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.