Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.8.9
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesForgiveness and Faithful Hearing
“The great sage Parāśara, as aforementioned, being so advised by the great sage Pulastya, spoke unto me the foremost of the Purāṇas [Bhāgavatam]. I shall also describe this before you, my dear son, in terms of my hearing, because you are always my faithful follower.”
What the purport teaches
- At Vasiṣṭha’s request, Parāśara stopped the sacrifice meant to destroy the demons. Pulastya appreciated his forgiveness and blessed him to become a great speaker of the Purāṇas.
- Parāśara first spoke Śrīmad-Bhāgavata Purāṇa because it is foremost among the Purāṇas. Maitreya wished to repeat what he had heard from him.
- Vidura was qualified to hear because he was faithful and followed the instructions of his superiors. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam has been transmitted through disciplic succession since time immemorial.
Try this today
Recall one grievance today and choose not to speak or act in retaliation.
Ask yourself
How might forgiveness help you preserve your spiritual qualities when someone wrongs you?
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.