Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.17.27
Mukti· LiberationA Devotee’s Greatness Shines Through Tolerance
“Lord Śiva said: My dear beautiful Pārvatī, have you seen the greatness of the Vaiṣṇavas? Being servants of the servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, they are great souls and are not interested in any kind of material happiness.”
What the purport teaches
- Vaiṣṇavas are great souls because they are servants of the servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari. They have no ambition for material happiness.
- Citraketu accepted Pārvatī’s curse without fear or retaliation. He offered her respect, called her mother and considered himself faulty.
- Like a tree, a devotee tolerates curses and reversals in life. Lord Śiva explained that Citraketu’s tolerance excelled Pārvatī’s power without any display of power.
Try this today
When a small irritation arises today, pause and respond respectfully rather than retaliating.
Ask yourself
When I feel offended, do I value tolerance more than proving my strength?
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.