Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.7.6
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSeek the Best Spiritual Benediction
“The great sage Maitreya said: My dear Vidura, all the personalities present were very much satisfied in heart and soul upon hearing the words of Lord Śiva, who is the best among the benedictors.”
What the purport teaches
- Everyone present was satisfied in heart and soul by Lord Śiva’s words. He is called the best of the benedictors because he readily grants blessings.
- Materialistic persons eagerly seek material profit but are not serious about spiritual profit. The purport contrasts this with seeking a spiritual benediction.
- Lord Śiva directed a poor brāhmaṇa to Sanātana Gosvāmī, who eventually initiated him with the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Association with Kṛṣṇa’s devotee and receiving the mantra proved better than a touchstone that produced gold.
Try this today
Chant once with attention: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.
Ask yourself
Do I value spiritual progress more than material gain?
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.