Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.12.18
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognize Devotion Beyond Outward Labels
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Hearing the straightforward, instructive words of Vṛtrāsura, King Indra praised him and again took the thunderbolt in his hand. Without bewilderment or duplicity, he then smiled and spoke to Vṛtrāsura as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- Indra was astonished by Vṛtrāsura’s straightforward, intelligent instructions. He had not expected such wisdom from someone considered a demon.
- Indra remembered Prahlāda Mahārāja and Bali Mahārāja, great devotees born in families of demons. Even so-called demons can have exalted devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Indra praised Vṛtrāsura, took up his thunderbolt again and smiled reassuringly. He responded without bewilderment or duplicity.
Try this today
When hearing a devotional instruction today, consider its meaning rather than judging only the speaker’s background.
Ask yourself
Could someone’s background cause me to overlook their devotion to the Supreme Lord?
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.