Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.1.42
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDependence on Kṛṣṇa Brings True Freedom
“I am not astonished at this, having traveled over the world without being seen by others. The activities of the Personality of Godhead, which are like those of a man in this mortal world, are bewildering to others, but I know of His greatness by His grace, and thus I am happy in all respects.”
What the purport teaches
- Dhṛtarāṣṭra and his sons wanted to lord it over the world by their own strength. Vidura instead sought sincere devotional service and surrendered to the Absolute Personality of Godhead.
- Vidura experienced dependence on the Lord’s mercy as greater freedom than so-called freedom at home. Purified dependence brings fearlessness through conviction that the Lord protects His devotee.
- Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa appeared in His eternal, blissful form of Śyāmasundara, yet nondevotees could not recognize Him. Pure devotees know His glories through devotional service and His grace.
Try this today
Before one task today, pause and pray for the Lord’s mercy and the desire to serve Him sincerely.
Ask yourself
Where am I relying only on my own strength rather than remembering my dependence on the Lord’s mercy?
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.