Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.17.38
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotional Progress Is Never Lost
“Being cursed by mother Durgā [Bhavānī, the wife of Lord Śiva], that same Citraketu accepted birth in a demoniac species of life. Although still fully equipped with transcendental knowledge and practical application of that knowledge in life, he appeared as a demon at the fire sacrifice performed by Tvaṣṭā, and thus he became famous as Vṛtrāsura.”
What the purport teaches
- Because of mother Durgā’s curse, Citraketu appeared as Vṛtrāsura at Tvaṣṭā’s fire sacrifice. Although born in a demoniac species, he retained his spiritual knowledge.
- His practical application of spiritual knowledge was also preserved. He did not lose his consciousness of Kṛṣṇa or his devotional service.
- Once one advances in devotional service, those spiritual assets are never lost. Even if a devotee falls, spiritual advancement continues from the point previously reached.
Try this today
Spend a few minutes today on a devotional activity you have neglected, remembering that earlier progress is not lost.
Ask yourself
How does the lasting value of devotional progress encourage you to continue?
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.