Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.15.29
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Sages’ Childlike Openness
“The great sages, headed by Sanaka, had opened doors everywhere. They had no idea of “ours” and “theirs.” With open minds, they entered the seventh door out of their own will, just as they had passed through the six other doors, which were made of gold and diamonds.”
What the purport teaches
- Although very old in years, the four sages remained like small children. They were not at all duplicitous.
- They had no idea of “ours” and “theirs” and passed through the doors with open minds.
- When the doormen stopped them at the seventh door, the sages became angry and sorrowful. The purport explains that barring these saintly persons was a great offense.
Try this today
In one conversation today, speak honestly and without a hidden motive.
Ask yourself
Where might a sense of “ours” and “theirs” limit your openness toward others?
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.