Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.5.7
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord's Pastimes Remain Ever Fresh
“You may narrate also about the auspicious characteristics of the Lord in His different incarnations for the welfare of the twice-born, the cows and the demigods. Our minds are never satisfied completely, although we continuously hear of His transcendental activities.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord appears in different incarnations for the welfare of the twice-born, the cows and the demigods. His protective activities support the opportunity for self-realization.
- Contact with a bona fide spiritual master gives a human being a second birth and guidance toward spiritual salvation. Civilized human life also includes protecting cows and bulls, which help maintain society.
- Unlike ordinary literature, accounts of the Lord's transcendental pastimes remain ever fresh. Although Vidura had heard them many times, he wanted to hear them again.
Try this today
Reread a passage about the Lord from Bhagavad-gītā or Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, giving it your full attention.
Ask yourself
What helps me hear familiar accounts of the Lord with renewed attention?
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.