Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.24.24-25
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesMercy Is Not for Harmful Ambitions
“The Pracetās were fortunate to see Lord Śiva, the chief of the demigods, emerging from the water with his associates. His bodily luster was just like molten gold, his throat was bluish, and he had three eyes, which looked very mercifully upon his devotees. He was accompanied by many musicians, who were glorifying him. As soon as the Pracetās saw Lord Śiva, they immediately offered their obeisances in great amazement and fell down at the lotus feet of the lord.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śiva emerged with his associates, his body glowing like molten gold and his eyes looking mercifully upon his devotees. The amazed Pracetās immediately bowed at his lotus feet.
- Lord Śiva is called Āśutoṣa because he is pleased very quickly. His great mercy makes him readily approachable with obeisances and bael leaves.
- Those seeking material prosperity may misuse Lord Śiva’s generous blessings and cause danger to others. Devotees of Lord Viṣṇu do not desire such blessings, and Lord Viṣṇu does not grant blessings that disturb the world.
Try this today
Review one thing you wish to receive, and set aside any part of that wish that would cause harm to someone else.
Ask yourself
Are the blessings I seek free from ambitions that could harm or disturb others?
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.