Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.15.19
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHonor Tulasī and Serve Without Envy
“Although flowering plants like the mandāra, kunda, kurabaka, utpala, campaka, arṇa, punnāga, nāgakeśara, bakula, lily and pārijāta are full of transcendental fragrance, they are still conscious of the austerities performed by tulasī, for tulasī is given special preference by the Lord, who garlands Himself with tulasī leaves.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord gives special preference to tulasī and garlands Himself with her leaves. Tulasī plants and leaves are very important in devotional service.
- Devotees are recommended to water the tulasī plant daily and collect leaves for worshiping the Lord.
- There is no envy among the devotees in the spiritual world. Even the fragrant flowers honor tulasī’s greatness and are conscious of service to the Lord.
Try this today
Today, express sincere appreciation for someone else’s devotional service.
Ask yourself
Can I appreciate another’s special service without feeling envy?
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.