Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.18.22
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSeek Mercy Through Service, Not Wealth
“O supreme unconquerable Lord, when they become absorbed in thoughts of material enjoyment, Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva, as well as other demigods and demons, undergo severe penances and austerities to receive my benedictions. But I do not favor anyone, however great he may be, unless he is always engaged in the service of Your lotus feet. Because I always keep You within my heart, I cannot favor anyone but a devotee.”
What the purport teaches
- Lakṣmīdevī does not bestow her favor on a materialistic person. She favors those who are devoted to serving the Supreme Lord’s lotus feet.
- Material benefits obtained from Durgādevī are temporary and bring māyā-sukha, illusory happiness. The extraordinary opulences received by devotees can instead be direct gifts of the goddess of fortune.
- The special mercy of the power to preach is given to a devotee who wants only to serve the spiritual master. Seeking service rather than material gain is the essential distinction.
Try this today
Today, offer one prayer asking for an opportunity to serve rather than for a material benefit.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking the Lord’s service, or mainly hoping for material benefits?
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.