Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.7.52
Āśraya· The supreme shelterNo One Acts Independently of the Lord
“The Lord continued: One who is not in proper knowledge thinks that demigods like Brahmā and Śiva are independent, or he even thinks that the living entities are independent.”
What the purport teaches
- To think that Brahmā, Śiva or the living entities are independent shows a lack of proper knowledge. They are not independently separated from the Supreme Lord.
- The Lord is the Supersoul in every living entity, including Brahmā and Śiva. He directs everyone’s activities within the material modes of nature.
- No one can act independently of the Lord’s sanction. Even Brahmā and Rudra, associated with passion and ignorance, depend upon Him.
Try this today
Before beginning one activity, pause and acknowledge your dependence on the Supreme Lord’s sanction.
Ask yourself
Where in your life do you tend to think you are completely independent?
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.