Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.15.38
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotional Service Opens Our Vision
“The sages, headed by Sanaka Ṛṣi, saw that the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu, who was formerly visible only within their hearts in ecstatic trance, had now actually become visible to their eyes. As He came forward, accompanied by His own associates bearing all paraphernalia, such as an umbrella and a cāmara fan, the white bunches of hair moved very gently, like two swans, and due to their favorable breeze the pearls garlanding the umbrella also moved, like drops of nectar falling from the white full moon or ice melting due to a gust of wind.”
What the purport teaches
- The Kumāras had seen the Lord within their hearts in ecstatic trance. Now they were struck with wonder to see Him face to face with His associates.
- The Supreme Lord cannot be seen by ordinary eyes. Pure devotees, elevated in love of God, see Him within their hearts and, when mature, directly before them.
- Devotional service begins with the tongue, through chanting the Lord’s holy name and tasting prasāda. As one engages in this service, the Lord gradually reveals Himself.
Try this today
Set aside a short moment today to chant the Lord’s holy name attentively.
Ask yourself
How can I give more attention to devotional service through my tongue?
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.