Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.18.20
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesMystic Displays Do Not Establish Spiritual Goodness
“Others also, the inhabitants of planets known as Kimpuruṣa-loka, made the demon Maya into a calf, and they milked out mystic powers by which one can disappear immediately from another’s vision and appear again in a different form.”
What the purport teaches
- The inhabitants of Kimpuruṣa-loka made Maya into a calf and obtained powers to disappear and reappear in another form.
- The purport calls this possession of mystic power īśitā. Such powers are natural in Kimpuruṣa-loka but can also be attained on this planet through yogic practices.
- Demons also possess wonderful mystic powers. Lord Kṛṣṇa fought demons who appeared before Him in extraordinary forms, showing that impressive powers can belong to His opponents.
Try this today
Write a reminder today: “Wonderful powers alone do not establish spiritual goodness.”
Ask yourself
Do I mistake extraordinary abilities for spiritual goodness?
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.