Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.7.37
Āśraya· The supreme shelterHumility and Love Open Spiritual Vision
“The governors of various planets spoke as follows: Dear Lord, we believe only in our direct perception, and therefore we see You as a creation of the material world. But under the circumstances we do not know whether we have actually seen You with our material senses. By our material senses we can simply perceive the cosmic manifestation, but You are beyond the five elements. You are the sixth.”
What the purport teaches
- Material senses perceive the cosmic manifestation, but the Lord is beyond the five material elements. Direct material perception cannot establish His transcendental position.
- The planetary governors are materially wealthy and proud. Such pride prevents one from understanding the Lord’s eternal, transcendental form.
- Those whose eyes are anointed with love of Godhead can see Him in every step of their activities. Those free from material pride can see the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Notice one source of pride today and offer a brief prayer for humility and love of Godhead.
Ask yourself
What material advantage or achievement might be making me feel too proud to approach the Lord humbly?
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.