Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.7.29
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRemain Steady in Kṛṣṇa’s Loving Service
“Lord Śiva said: My dear Lord, my mind and consciousness are always fixed on Your lotus feet, which, as the source of all benediction and the fulfillment of all desires, are worshiped by all liberated great sages because Your lotus feet are worthy of worship. With my mind fixed on Your lotus feet, I am no longer disturbed by persons who blaspheme me, claiming that my activities are not purified. I do not mind their accusations, and I excuse them out of compassion, just as You exhibit compassion toward all living entities.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śiva regretted having become angry and disturbed Dakṣa’s sacrifice. With his mind fixed on Lord Viṣṇu’s lotus feet, he says that criticism no longer disturbs him.
- Lord Śiva excuses his critics out of compassion, following the Lord’s compassion toward all living entities.
- The purport recommends remaining always in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, busy in the Lord’s transcendental loving service. Such service carries one beyond the influence of the material qualities.
Try this today
If criticism troubles you today, pause to remember the Lord’s lotus feet before replying, and choose a compassionate response.
Ask yourself
How could remembering my relationship with the Lord help me respond compassionately to criticism?
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.