Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.25.21 · one of the 108 chosen verses
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognize a Sādhu by Devotional Qualities
“The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.”
What the purport teaches
- A sādhu shows mercy by teaching the importance of devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa. He thinks of others rather than being satisfied with his own liberation.
- A sādhu is tolerant and a well-wisher of all living entities, including animals and trees. Although others may oppose him, he is not inimical toward anyone.
- A sādhu is peaceful and follows the principles of scripture. These principles instruct us to obey the Personality of Godhead, so genuine scriptural conduct goes together with devotion.
Try this today
When someone irritates you today, pause before replying and choose peaceful words without hostility.
Ask yourself
How can I become more tolerant and more concerned for the spiritual good of others?
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.