Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.23.34
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotional Hearing Brings Good Fortune
“Also, one who hears this narration three times will become very reputable if he is not recognized in society, and he will become a great scholar if he is illiterate. In other words, hearing of the narrations of Pṛthu Mahārāja is so auspicious that it drives away all bad luck.”
What the purport teaches
- Hearing Pṛthu’s narration three times is described as bringing reputation to the unrecognized and learning to the illiterate. This hearing is auspicious and drives away bad fortune.
- By hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Bhagavad-gītā, one can become recognized as learned. Association with the Supreme Personality of Godhead or His devotee brings benefits in every respect.
- Although the material world is full of dangers, a devotee has no fear because devotional service counteracts bad fortune. Hearing about Pṛthu is itself an item of devotional service.
Try this today
Read a passage about Pṛthu today with attention to hearing as devotional service, rather than merely collecting information.
Ask yourself
How might remembering the auspiciousness of devotional hearing help me face uncertainty?
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.