Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.30.39-40
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesOffer Everything for the Lord’s Satisfaction
“Dear Lord, we have studied the Vedas, accepted a spiritual master and offered respect to brāhmaṇas, advanced devotees and aged personalities who are spiritually very advanced. We have offered our respects to them, and we have not been envious of any brother, friends or anyone else. We have also undergone severe austerities within the water and have not taken food for a long time. All these spiritual assets of ours are simply offered for Your satisfaction. We pray for this benediction only, and nothing more.”
What the purport teaches
- The real perfection of life is pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Whether one’s work is material or spiritual, its purpose should be His satisfaction.
- The Pracetās offered their study, respect for spiritually advanced persons and severe austerities to the Lord. They sought His satisfaction, not material benedictions.
- Those training to become devotees should respect the Lord and those advanced in spiritual knowledge. Genuine advancement means devotion and duty, not boasting.
Try this today
Before one duty today, pause and pray that your effort may satisfy the Supreme Lord.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking something for myself through spiritual practice, or seeking the Lord’s satisfaction?
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.