Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.20.33
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesAlways Remain the Lord’s Servant
“Lord Brahmā is known as karma-maya, the form of ritualistic ceremonies, because by performing ritualistic ceremonies one may attain his position and because the Vedic ritualistic hymns become manifest from him. He is devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead without deviation, and therefore in one sense he is not different from the Lord. Nevertheless, he should be worshiped not as the monists worship him, but in duality. One should always remain a servitor of the Supreme Lord, the supreme worshipable Deity. We therefore offer our respectful obeisances unto Lord Brahmā, the form of manifest Vedic knowledge.”
What the purport teaches
- Strictly following varṇāśrama-dharma for at least one hundred births can lead to the post of Lord Brahmā. Thus his position is obtainable through the Vedic ritualistic system.
- Although extremely powerful, Brahmā never thinks himself one with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He always knows himself to be the Lord’s eternal servant.
- Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. When a devotee serves Him with full faith, the meaning of Vedic literature is revealed; Brahmā’s entire form consists of Vedic knowledge.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, pause and remember that you are serving Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
How can Brahmā’s attitude help me remain a servant rather than seek importance?
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.