Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.16.1
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLearn Through Authority and Humility
“The great sage Maitreya continued: While King Pṛthu thus spoke, the humility of his nectarean speeches pleased the reciters very much. Then again they continued to praise the King highly with exalted prayers, as they had been instructed by the great sages.”
What the purport teaches
- The reciters recognized King Pṛthu as an incarnation of God through the instructions of great sages. We cannot manufacture a God by our own imagination.
- Spiritual matters should be tested by sādhu, śāstra and guru—saintly persons, scriptures and the spiritual master. Their authorized instructions do not differ from one another.
- Although an incarnation of God, Pṛthu was gentle and humble in his dealings with devotees. His behavior pleased the reciters and teaches us humility.
Try this today
In one conversation today, make a deliberate effort to speak gently and humbly.
Ask yourself
How can Pṛthu’s humility guide the way I receive praise?
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.