Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.17.2-3
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRemember Hari Amid Enjoyment
“Being praised by great sages and saints and by the inhabitants of Siddhaloka and Cāraṇaloka, Citraketu, the most powerful mystic yogī, wandered about enjoying life for millions of years. With bodily strength and senses free from deterioration, he traveled within the valleys of Sumeru Mountain, which is the place of perfection for various kinds of mystic power. In those valleys he enjoyed life with the women of Vidyādhara-loka by chanting the glories of the Supreme Lord, Hari.”
What the purport teaches
- Although surrounded by beautiful women from Vidyādhara-loka, Citraketu did not forget to glorify the Lord by chanting His holy name.
- His bodily strength and senses remained free from deterioration as he traveled and enjoyed life by chanting the glories of Hari.
- A pure devotee who is not contaminated by material conditions and remains engaged in chanting the Lord’s glories should be understood to be perfect.
Try this today
During a pleasant moment today, take one minute to chant the Lord’s holy name.
Ask yourself
Do pleasant circumstances help you remember the Lord, or do they distract you?
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.