Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.11.28
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesAct as a Surrendered Soul
“My dear Dhruva, at the age of only five years you were very grievously afflicted by the words of your mother’s co-wife, and you very boldly gave up the protection of your mother and went to the forest to engage in the yogic process for realization of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As a result of this you have already achieved the topmost position in all the three worlds.”
What the purport teaches
- At only five years old, Dhruva Mahārāja left for the forest after being deeply hurt by the words of his mother’s co-wife. He sought realization of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Within six months of meditating upon the Supreme Lord, Dhruva saw Him face to face. Manu regarded him as the glory of his family and of all human society.
- Because Dhruva had already surrendered to the Supreme Godhead, he was especially requested not to act in a way unbefitting a surrendered soul.
Try this today
Before responding to one hurtful remark or memory today, pause and ask whether your response befits a surrendered soul.
Ask yourself
Does my response to hurt reflect my wish to live as a surrendered servant of the Lord?
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.