Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.24.20
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotional Service Brings a Peaceful Mind
“While traveling, the Pracetās happened to see a great reservoir of water which seemed almost as big as the ocean. The water of this lake was so calm and quiet that it seemed like the mind of a great soul, and its inhabitants, the aquatics, appeared very peaceful and happy to be under the protection of such a watery reservoir.”
What the purport teaches
- The clear, quiet lake resembled the mind of a great devotee. A pure devotee fully surrendered to the Lord is very rarely found.
- A devotee’s mind is calm because there is no desire other than to serve Kṛṣṇa. Through association with Kṛṣṇa, the devotee remains satisfied in any condition of life.
- The peaceful aquatics resembled disciples sheltered by a great devotee. Those fixed in the Lord’s service are not shaken even by reversals in life.
Try this today
When one worry arises today, pause and choose one small act of service to Kṛṣṇa rather than dwelling on the worry.
Ask yourself
Which desires disturb my mind, and how could I turn my attention toward serving Kṛṣṇa?
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.