Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.10.8
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesA Devotee Is Everyone's Friend
“Thinking himself a king, King Rahūgaṇa was in the bodily conception and was influenced by material nature’s modes of passion and ignorance. Due to madness, he chastised Jaḍa Bharata with uncalled-for and contradictory words. Jaḍa Bharata was a topmost devotee and the dear abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although considering himself very learned, the King did not know about the position of an advanced devotee situated in devotional service, nor did he know his characteristics. Jaḍa Bharata was the residence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; he always carried the form of the Lord within his heart. He was the dear friend of all living beings, and he did not entertain any bodily conception. He therefore smiled and spoke the following words.”
What the purport teaches
- Rahūgaṇa identified himself with his royal position and chastised Jaḍa Bharata under the influence of passion and ignorance. Though considering himself learned, he did not recognize an advanced devotee.
- Jaḍa Bharata always carried the Lord's form within his heart and was fully situated in devotional service. Free from bodily identification, he smiled rather than becoming angry.
- An advanced Vaiṣṇava is a friend to all living entities and considers no one an enemy. Even when such a devotee shows anger, it is for the other person's benefit.
Try this today
Think of someone who has upset you and quietly wish for that person's spiritual benefit.
Ask yourself
Can I wish someone well even when that person treats me unkindly?
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.