Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.3.25
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesTake Protective Warnings Seriously
“If in spite of this instruction you decide to go, neglecting my words, the future will not be good for you. You are most respectable, and when you are insulted by your relative, this insult will immediately be equal to death.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śiva warns that going despite his instruction will not bring a good outcome for Satī. He asks her not to neglect his words.
- Satī is most respectable, yet her family connection does not protect her from being insulted by a relative.
- The verse describes such an insult to a respectable person as immediately equal to death. This strong comparison conveys the seriousness of the hurt Lord Śiva foresees.
Try this today
Before acting on one plan today, pause and reconsider any protective advice you have been tempted to ignore.
Ask yourself
Am I overlooking a serious warning because I strongly want to follow my own plan?
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.