Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.7.8
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotional Service Opens Understanding by Grace
“Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O King, Maitreya, being thus agitated by the inquisitive Vidura, at first seemed astonished, but then he replied to him without hesitation, since he was fully God conscious.”
What the purport teaches
- Maitreya appeared surprised by Vidura’s questions, but he quickly became settled and replied properly. He was filled with God consciousness.
- A devotee knows the Lord to some extent. Devotional service makes the devotee able to understand everything by the Lord’s grace.
- A devotee may outwardly appear ignorant while possessing knowledge of intricate matters. Maitreya’s apparent surprise did not mean he lacked understanding.
Try this today
Before studying today, offer a brief prayer asking for understanding through the Lord’s grace and a desire to serve Him.
Ask yourself
Do I seek spiritual understanding through devotional service and the Lord’s grace, or only through my own effort?
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.