Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.1.10
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHousehold Life Need Not Interrupt Devotion
“My dear King Parīkṣit, because Lord Brahmā had finally descended from Satyaloka to Bhūloka, Nārada Muni, Prince Priyavrata and Svāyambhuva Manu came forward to offer him objects of worship and to praise him in highly qualified language, according to Vedic etiquette. At that time, Lord Brahmā, the original person of this universe, felt compassion for Priyavrata and, looking upon him with a smiling face, spoke to him as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- Nārada’s instructions on spiritual life, knowledge, renunciation and bhakti had deeply impressed Priyavrata. Brahmā’s personal visit showed how serious the request to rule was.
- Brahmā’s compassionate smile indicated that Priyavrata could accept household life without losing touch with devotional service. He praised Priyavrata’s renunciation and devotion so that his service would continue.
- By the blessings of a Vaiṣṇava, everything is possible. The purport calls perfection attained through the blessings of a spiritual master or superior kṛpā-siddhi.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes for devotional service today without neglecting a household responsibility.
Ask yourself
Do I think ordinary responsibilities must separate me from devotional service?
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.