Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.18.6
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionThe Lord Feels and Protects
“Although the Lord was pained by the shaftlike abusive words of the demon, He bore the pain. But seeing that the earth on the ends of His tusks was frightened, He rose out of the water just as an elephant emerges with its female companion when assailed by an alligator.”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead has feelings. He is satisfied by sincere prayers and dissatisfied by harsh words against Him.
- Descriptions that deny the Lord’s form, existence, or bodily limbs are misconceptions. Such descriptions do not please Him.
- Although the demon’s words caused Him sorrow, the Lord tolerated them and delivered the frightened earth. He is always ready to tolerate insults to protect His devotee.
Try this today
Offer a short, thoughtful prayer appreciating the Lord’s protection of His devotees.
Ask yourself
How does knowing that the Lord receives our prayers personally affect the way I address Him?
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.