Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.7.15
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionMeet Adversity With Gratitude and Surrender
“I did not know your full glories. For this reason, I threw arrows of sharp words at you in the open assembly, although you did not take them into account. I was going down to hell because of my disobedience to you, who are the most respectable personality, but you took compassion upon me and saved me by awarding punishment. I request that you be pleased by your own mercy, since I cannot satisfy you by my words.”
What the purport teaches
- Dakṣa recognized that his sharp words against Lord Śiva were a serious offense. He understood that Lord Śiva's punishment had neutralized that offense and saved him.
- A devotee in Kṛṣṇa consciousness does not regard suffering as condemnation by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He sees the Lord's grace and protection from greater danger.
- Seeing adversity in this way, a devotee surrenders to the Supreme Personality of Godhead more seriously. Dakṣa's gratitude showed progress on the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Try this today
In one difficulty today, offer a short prayer of gratitude for the Lord's protection and ask to deepen your surrender.
Ask yourself
How might remembrance of the Lord's mercy deepen your surrender during a difficulty?
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.