Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.3.20
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord Appears to Teach Devotional Service
“O Viṣṇudatta, Parīkṣit Mahārāja, the Supreme Personality of Godhead was pleased by the great sages at that sacrifice. Consequently the Lord decided to personally exhibit the method of executing religious principles [as observed by brahmacārīs, sannyāsīs, vānaprasthas and gṛhasthas engaged in rituals] and also satisfy Mahārāja Nābhi’s desire. Consequently He appeared as the son of Merudevī in His original spiritual form, which is above the modes of material nature.”
What the purport teaches
- Pleased by the great sages, the Supreme Lord appeared as Merudevī’s son to satisfy Mahārāja Nābhi and teach religious principles. Unlike ordinary living entities, He is not forced to appear by the modes of material nature.
- The Lord appears in His original spiritual form, consisting of śuddha-sattva, or uncontaminated goodness. Unlike material goodness, this is never mixed with rajo-guṇa or tamo-guṇa.
- Dharma is given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, not manufactured by human beings. Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, teaches surrender to Him; genuine religious principles lead to bhakti-mārga, the path of devotional service.
Try this today
Today, pause before one activity and offer a brief prayer to Kṛṣṇa asking for guidance to act in His devotional service.
Ask yourself
Am I looking to the Supreme Lord’s guidance for religious principles, or relying on my own ideas?
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.