Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.8.23
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionSeek Lasting Shelter in the Supreme Lord
“My dear Dhruva, as far as I am concerned, I do not find anyone who can mitigate your distress but the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose eyes are like lotus petals. Many demigods such as Lord Brahmā seek the pleasure of the goddess of fortune, but the goddess of fortune herself, with a lotus flower in her hand, is always ready to render service to the Supreme Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- Benedictions from the demigods are temporary, whereas spiritual benediction is permanent because the soul is eternal. Sunīti advised Dhruva to approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead directly.
- Even the goddess of fortune, Mahā-Lakṣmī, seeks the Supreme Lord’s pleasure. Those who worship Him also receive her blessings.
- A pure devotee does not seek material advancement from the Lord. Yet someone approaching Him for material gain can gradually become purified, free from material desires, and elevated to spiritual life.
Try this today
Bring one concern to the Supreme Lord in prayer today, and ask to become free from material desires through His service.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking only temporary relief, or also purification through service to the Lord?
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.