Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.1.20
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesGround Devotion in Authorized Scripture
“In this regard, learned scholars and saintly persons describe a very old historical incident involving a discussion between the order carriers of Lord Viṣṇu and those of Yamarāja. Please hear of this from me.”
What the purport teaches
- The verse introduces an ancient discussion between the order carriers of Lord Viṣṇu and those of Yamarāja. The reader is invited to hear and understand it.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Purāṇas record factual histories, though not in chronological order. Learned Vedic scholars refer to these accounts.
- Devotional service must follow authorized Vedic literature rather than ignore it. A devotee of Kṛṣṇa should accept the authority of both the Vedas and the Purāṇas.
Try this today
Reread this translation slowly, with the intention to hear and understand the history that follows.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to let authorized scripture guide my understanding of 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.