Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.7.49
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Self-Sufficient Lord Accepts Loving Offerings
“Maitreya continued: My dear sinless Vidura, Lord Viṣṇu is actually the enjoyer of the results of all sacrifices, yet because of His being the Supersoul of all living entities, He was satisfied simply with His share of the sacrificial offerings. He therefore addressed Dakṣa in a pleasing attitude.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Viṣṇu, or Kṛṣṇa, is the supreme enjoyer of sacrifices and austerities. Whatever one does, the ultimate goal is Viṣṇu.
- Although self-sufficient, the Lord accepts offerings because He is friendly toward all living entities. Even a leaf, flower or water pleases Him when offered with love.
- The Lord accepted His own share without taking another’s. Vaiṣṇavas accept Viṣṇu as Supreme while giving the demigods proper respect.
Try this today
Offer a little water to Kṛṣṇa with love and affection.
Ask yourself
Are you giving more attention to the size of your offering or to the love behind it?
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.