Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.16.14
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHear the Lord With Humble Attention
“The Lord’s excellent speech was difficult to comprehend because of its momentous import and its most profound significance. The sages heard it with wide-open ears and pondered it as well. But although hearing, they could not understand what He intended to do.”
What the purport teaches
- No one can surpass the Supreme Personality of Godhead in speaking. On the absolute platform, there is no difference between Him and His words.
- The Lord’s speech was concise and meaningful, yet profoundly deep. The sages listened attentively and pondered its meaning.
- Even with careful hearing, the sages could not fully understand His intention. They could not tell whether He was angry or pleased with them.
Try this today
Reread the translation attentively and write down one phrase you would like to understand more deeply.
Ask yourself
Can I listen humbly even when I cannot fully understand the Lord’s intention?
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.