Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.18.7
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDuty Matters More Than Derision
“The demon, who had golden hair on his head and fearful tusks, gave chase to the Lord while He was rising from the water, even as an alligator would chase an elephant. Roaring like thunder, he said: Are You not ashamed of running away before a challenging adversary? There is nothing reproachable for shameless creatures!”
What the purport teaches
- The demon pursued the Lord and mocked Him for apparently fleeing. The Lord paid no attention because He was conscious of His duty.
- For a dutiful person there is nothing to fear. The Lord had no fear of His enemy’s derision or unkind words.
- The Lord tolerated Hiraṇyākṣa’s insults to protect the earth from calamity. By neglecting His enemy, He also showed him mercy.
Try this today
Complete one needed duty today without letting concern about ridicule distract you.
Ask yourself
When do unkind words distract me from a responsibility I should fulfill?
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.