Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.4.1
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognizing the Lord by Genuine Symptoms
“Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: As soon as the Lord was born as the son of Mahārāja Nābhi, He manifested symptoms of the Supreme Lord, such as marks on the bottoms of His feet [the flag, thunderbolt, etc.]. This son was equal to everyone and very peaceful. He could control His senses and His mind, and, possessing all opulence, He did not hanker for material enjoyment. Endowed with all these attributes, the son of Mahārāja Nābhi became more powerful day after day. Due to this, the citizens, learned brāhmaṇas, demigods and ministers wanted Ṛṣabhadeva to be appointed ruler of the earth.”
What the purport teaches
- From birth, Ṛṣabhadeva’s feet bore transcendental signs, including a flag, thunderbolt and lotus flower. An incarnation must be recognized by experienced people and the symptoms described in the śāstras, not merely by praise.
- An incarnation of God possesses six opulences: wealth, strength, knowledge, beauty, fame and renunciation. Although Ṛṣabhadeva possessed all opulences, He was not attached to material enjoyment.
- Ṛṣabhadeva was peaceful, self-controlled and equal to everyone, neither favoring one person nor neglecting another. His excellent qualities made everyone want Him to rule the earth.
Try this today
In one interaction today, consciously avoid favoritism and treat the other person with equal care.
Ask yourself
Do I judge spiritual greatness by popularity or by the qualities described in scripture?
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.