Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.22.18
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHumble Questions Benefit Everyone
“Sanat-kumāra said: My dear King Pṛthu, I am very nicely questioned by you. Such questions are beneficial for all living entities, especially because they are raised by you, who are always thinking of the good of others. Although you know everything, you ask such questions because that is the behavior of saintly persons. Such intelligence is befitting your position.”
What the purport teaches
- Although Pṛthu Mahārāja knew transcendental science, he approached the Kumāras as if he knew nothing. Even an exalted person should present questions before a superior.
- Questions put before the Supreme Personality of Godhead or His devotees are meant for the benefit of the general people.
- Saintly persons are always thinking of the good of others. Their willingness to inquire gives others an opportunity to learn.
Try this today
Write down one question about spiritual life to respectfully ask a devotee, keeping others’ benefit in mind.
Ask yourself
How could I ask a sincere question that would help others as well as 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.