Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.12.19
Mukti· LiberationPenance Seeks the Supreme Lord’s Favor
“By penance only can one even approach the Personality of Godhead, who is within the heart of every living entity and at the same time beyond the reach of all senses.”
What the purport teaches
- The Personality of Godhead resides in every living entity’s heart, yet remains beyond the reach of the senses. The translation says that only by penance can one approach Him.
- Brahmā advises Rudra to perform penance to attain the Supreme Lord’s favor. Rudra should also set an example for his sons and followers.
- People follow the path shown by an authority. Rudra’s followers are therefore advised to stop annihilation while peaceful creation is taking place.
Try this today
Set aside a few quiet minutes today, putting aside a distraction to remember the Lord within the heart and seek His favor.
Ask yourself
Does my example encourage restraint and the desire to attain the Supreme Lord’s favor?
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.