Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.18.4
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesStay Secure Through Attentive Devotional Service
“O unborn one, learned Vedic scholars who are advanced in spiritual knowledge certainly know that this material world is perishable, as do other logicians and philosophers. In trance they realize the factual position of this world, and they preach the truth as well. Yet even they are sometimes bewildered by Your illusory energy. This is Your own wonderful pastime. Therefore, I can understand that Your illusory energy is very wonderful, and I offer my respectful obeisances unto You.”
What the purport teaches
- Even advanced scholars who understand that this world is perishable can become bewildered by the Lord’s illusory energy. Thinking that the material body is oneself and its relationships are one’s possessions is illusion.
- Lord Kṛṣṇa says that only those who surrender unto Him can overcome material energy. No one should assume that spiritual knowledge makes them immune to māyā.
- Theoretical knowledge alone cannot protect us; we must firmly adhere to the Lord’s lotus feet in devotional service. Carefully following regulative principles keeps us steady, rather than taking advantage of the Lord’s forgiveness.
Try this today
Choose one devotional commitment you already follow and carry it out carefully today, without distraction.
Ask yourself
Where could greater attention help me remain steady in 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.