Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.2.9
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord Is Known Through His Mercy
“The Yadus were all experienced devotees, learned and expert in psychic study. Over and above this, they were always with the Lord in all kinds of relaxations, and still they were only able to know Him as the one Supreme who dwells everywhere.”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Lord cannot be understood simply through learning or mental speculation. He can be known only by one who receives His mercy.
- The Yadus were exceptionally learned and experienced. They recognized Kṛṣṇa as the Supersoul dwelling everywhere, but did not understand Him as the original Personality of Godhead.
- The residents of Vṛndāvana were pure devotees who thought of Kṛṣṇa only as their object of love. They did not know Him as the Paramātmā or the Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Before studying today, offer a brief prayer for the Lord’s mercy to understand Him and deepen your devotion.
Ask yourself
Do I depend only on my understanding, or also seek the Lord’s mercy?
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.