Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.13.28
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesServe Carefully and Avoid Offenses
“Dear King, we do not find any reason that the demigods should feel insulted or neglected in any way, but still the demigods who are witnesses for the sacrifice do not accept their shares. We do not know why this is so.”
What the purport teaches
- The priests could find no neglect or insult that explained why the demigods refused their shares.
- In devotional service, offenses in worship are called sevā-aparādha. Merely making a show of service while ignoring these offenses does not please the Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa Deity.
- Those engaged in Deity worship should not invent their own methods. They should follow the prescribed principles of cleanliness so their offerings will be accepted.
Try this today
Carefully clean the space or utensils you use for worship today.
Ask yourself
Am I giving attention to the care and cleanliness that worship requires?
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.