Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.9.47
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionPlease the Lord, Not Demand Respect
“Unto one who has transcendental qualities due to friendly behavior with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, all living entities offer honor, just as water automatically flows down by nature.”
What the purport teaches
- Because Dhruva Mahārāja was blessed by the Lord and possessed transcendental qualities, even Suruci wished him good fortune.
- A devotee does not demand respect from anyone. Honor comes naturally, just as water naturally flows downward.
- By pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all emanations, a devotee automatically pleases everyone. The Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana are honored for this reason.
Try this today
Do one small act of devotional service today without asking for recognition.
Ask yourself
Where might you focus more on pleasing the Lord than on receiving respect?
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.