Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.24.26
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesGentle Conduct Pleases Lord Śiva
“Lord Śiva became very pleased with the Pracetās because generally Lord Śiva is the protector of pious persons and persons of gentle behavior. Being very much pleased with the princes, he began to speak as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- Viṣṇu, or Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is known as bhakta-vatsala. Lord Śiva is described here as dharma-vatsala, fond of those who follow religious principles.
- Some people worship Lord Śiva for material profit while influenced by passion and ignorance. When he sees them following religious principles, he blesses them.
- The Pracetās were naturally pious and gentle, so Lord Śiva was immediately pleased with them. Recognizing them as sons of Vaiṣṇavas, he offered prayers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
In one conversation today, make a deliberate effort to speak gently and behave respectfully.
Ask yourself
How can my behavior today become more gentle and faithful to religious principles?
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.