Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.21.45-47
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesChanting and Hearing Nourish Spiritual Life
“Entering that most sacred spot with his daughter and going near the sage, the first monarch, Svāyambhuva Manu, saw the sage sitting in his hermitage, having just propitiated the sacred fire by pouring oblations into it. His body shone most brilliantly; though he had engaged in austere penance for a long time, he was not emaciated, for the Lord had cast His affectionate sidelong glance upon him and he had also heard the nectar flowing from the moonlike words of the Lord. The sage was tall, his eyes were large, like the petals of a lotus, and he had matted locks on his head. He was clad in rags. Svāyambhuva Manu approached and saw him to be somewhat soiled, like an unpolished gem.”
What the purport teaches
- A brahmacārī seeking spiritual advancement must rise early and worship the Supreme Lord. In this age, the purport stresses chanting the Lord’s holy name, Hare Kṛṣṇa, as the essential practice.
- Kardama Muni was not emaciated despite long austerities because he had received the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s affectionate glance and nectarean words. The purport also describes the beneficial effects of hearing the holy name.
- Though clad in rags and somewhat soiled, Kardama shone like an unpolished gem. His outward condition could not hide the luster of his spiritual discipline.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and listen carefully to the holy name.
Ask yourself
Do I value hearing and chanting the Lord’s name more than outward appearance?
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.