Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.23.37
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesEven Advanced Devotees Must Hear
“A pure devotee who is executing the different processes of devotional service may be situated in the transcendental position, being completely absorbed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, but even he, while discharging devotional service, must hear, read and induce others to hear about the character and life of Pṛthu Mahārāja.”
What the purport teaches
- Even a pure devotee fully absorbed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness must hear, read and encourage others to hear about Pṛthu Mahārāja.
- A beginner eager to hear the Lord’s pastimes should understand that Pṛthu Mahārāja’s pastimes are nondifferent from those of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Pṛthu Mahārāja showed how an ideal king governs, educates citizens, develops the economy and performs sacrifices. Hearing about these activities is recommended even for those who consider themselves advanced in devotional service.
Try this today
Read this verse aloud and invite someone to listen to its teaching about Pṛthu Mahārāja.
Ask yourself
How can you remain willing to hear about Pṛthu Mahārāja rather than thinking you have already advanced beyond such hearing?
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.