Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.9.18
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesEven Brahmā Offers the Lord Respects
“Your Lordship, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You who are indefatigable time and the enjoyer of all sacrifices. Although I am situated in an abode which will continue to exist for a time duration of two parārdhas, although I am the leader of all other planets in the universe, and although I have undergone many, many years of penance for self-realization, still I offer my respects unto You.”
What the purport teaches
- Brahmā has the longest life in the universe and is honored for his penance, influence and prestige. Yet he still offers respectful obeisances to the Lord.
- The Lord is indefatigable time and the enjoyer of all sacrifices. Brahmā’s exalted position does not remove his duty to honor Him.
- Those far below Brahmā’s standard should follow his example. Offering respects to the Lord is a duty for everyone.
Try this today
Offer a respectful bow to the Lord today, remembering Brahmā’s example.
Ask yourself
Does pride in my achievements ever make me forget to offer the Lord respect?
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.