Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.14
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHonor Guests Before Taking Center Stage
“In that great assembly, Mahārāja Pṛthu first of all worshiped all the respectable visitors according to their respective positions. After this, he stood up in the midst of the assembly, and it appeared that the full moon had arisen amongst the stars.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Pṛthu first worshiped the respectable visitors according to their positions. Only afterward did he stand in the assembly.
- The purport stresses the importance of properly receiving exalted personalities. In the Vedic system, the first procedure is to wash their feet.
- Kṛṣṇa Himself took charge of washing visitors’ feet at Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira’s sacrifice. Pṛthu likewise arranged a proper reception for his distinguished guests.
Try this today
Welcome one visitor or person you meet today with attention, and offer them a comfortable place to sit.
Ask yourself
How can I give others a thoughtful welcome before turning attention toward myself?
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.