Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.13.23
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRespect Devotees Beyond Outward Appearances
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto the great personalities, whether they walk on the earth’s surface as children, young boys, avadhūtas or great brāhmaṇas. Even if they are hidden under different guises, I offer my respects to all of them. By their mercy, may there be good fortune in the royal dynasties that are always offending them.”
What the purport teaches
- Repentant for his treatment of Jaḍa Bharata, Rahūgaṇa offered respects to self-realized persons in every guise. Great personalities may appear as children, young people or avadhūtas.
- Pride in worldly position can lead one to offend great personalities. Rahūgaṇa prayed for their mercy upon royal dynasties guilty of such offenses.
- One should carefully avoid offending Vaiṣṇavas and brāhmaṇas. The Supreme Personality of Godhead does not excuse such an offense merely because the offended person does not take it personally.
Try this today
Before judging someone by appearance today, pause and choose respectful words.
Ask yourself
Do I let someone’s appearance or social position determine the respect I offer?
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.