Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.1.21
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesConcentrating on the Lord of the Universe
“While Atri Muni was engaged in these severe austerities, a blazing fire came out of his head by virtue of his breathing exercise, and that fire was seen by the three principal deities of the three worlds.”
What the purport teaches
- Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī explains that the fire of prāṇāyāma is mental satisfaction. Viṣṇu, the Supersoul, perceived this fire.
- Through his breathing exercise, Atri Muni concentrated on the Supersoul, the Lord of the universe.
- Vāsudeva is the Lord of the universe, and Brahmā and Śiva work under His direction. By His direction, they perceived Atri Muni’s severe penance.
Try this today
Spend one quiet minute remembering Vāsudeva as the Lord of the universe.
Ask yourself
How can I make the Lord, rather than the exercise itself, the focus of my 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.