Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.19
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesEncourage Others Before You Speak
“Just to encourage the members of the assembly and to enhance their pleasure, King Pṛthu glanced over them with eyes that seemed like stars in a sky wet with dew. He then spoke to them in a great voice.”
What the purport teaches
- King Pṛthu glanced around at the members of the assembly. His purpose was to encourage them and increase their pleasure.
- His eyes were compared to stars in a sky wet with dew. This gentle description accompanies his encouraging glance.
- After looking over the assembly, Pṛthu spoke in a great voice. His attention to the listeners came before his words.
Try this today
Before speaking to someone today, give them a kind, attentive look and consider how your words can encourage them.
Ask yourself
How can my manner before speaking help others feel encouraged?
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.