Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.8.6
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLoving Devotion Gives Life to Prayer
“The four Kumāras, headed by Sanat-kumāra, who all knew the transcendental pastimes of the Lord, glorified the Lord in rhythmic accents with selected words full of affection and love. At that time Lord Saṅkarṣaṇa, with His thousands of raised hoods, began to radiate an effulgence from the glowing stones on His head.”
What the purport teaches
- The four Kumāras knew the Lord’s transcendental pastimes and glorified Him with selected words full of affection and love.
- The Lord is called uttamaśloka, meaning one worshiped by devotees with selected words. Such words flow from absorption in loving devotional service.
- Fine affection and love are needed to offer prayers suitably. Even a small boy who is a great devotee can offer excellent prayers glorifying the Lord’s pastimes.
Try this today
Offer a short prayer glorifying the Lord, choosing words that express sincere affection.
Ask yourself
When you pray, how much attention do you give to affection rather than polished wording?
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.