Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.8.79
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotional Service Transforms a Person’s Capacity
“As Dhruva Mahārāja, the King’s son, kept himself steadily standing on one leg, the pressure of his big toe pushed down half the earth, just as an elephant being carried on a boat rocks the boat left and right with his every step.”
What the purport teaches
- Although Dhruva Mahārāja was a king’s son, he had been prevented from sitting on his father’s lap. After advancing in devotional service, the pressure of his toe could push down the earth.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda presents this as the difference between ordinary consciousness and Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Dhruva’s extraordinary capacity came with his advancement in self-realization.
- A person’s earlier limitations do not establish what that person can do after spiritual advancement. Dhruva constantly concentrated on the Supreme Personality of Godhead within his heart.
Try this today
When an old limitation discourages you today, turn your attention to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and complete one small act of devotional service.
Ask yourself
Do I judge spiritual possibilities only by someone’s earlier limitations?
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.