Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.9.7
Mukti· LiberationReceive Guidance Through Disciplic Succession
“When he heard the sound, he tried to find the speaker, searching on all sides. But when he was unable to find anyone besides himself, he thought it wise to sit down on his lotus seat firmly and give his attention to the execution of penance, as he was instructed.”
What the purport teaches
- Although Brahmā could not see the speaker, he understood that the instruction came from the Lord. He firmly resolved to carry out the instructed penance.
- To receive the real message of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, one should approach a bona fide spiritual master in disciplic succession. One should not expect direct initiation from within as Brahmā received.
- The sincere soul receives the Lord’s guidance through pure devotees, revealed scriptures and the bona fide spiritual master. Under that guidance, tapasya is carried out in devotional service.
Try this today
Read a short passage of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam today and note one instruction that can guide your service to the Lord.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to receive guidance rather than assume that my own inner impressions are the Lord’s instructions?
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.