Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.8.17
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionSeek Mercy to Avoid Offenses
“May Sanat-kumāra protect me from lusty desires. As I begin some auspicious activity, may Lord Hayagrīva protect me from being an offender by neglecting to offer respectful obeisances to the Supreme Lord. May Devarṣi Nārada protect me from committing offenses in worshiping the Deity, and may Lord Kūrma, the tortoise, protect me from falling to the unlimited hellish planets.”
What the purport teaches
- Lusty desires are very strong and are the greatest impediment to devotional service. Those troubled by them are advised to take shelter of Sanat-kumāra.
- The prayer asks Lord Hayagrīva for protection from neglecting respectful obeisances to the Supreme Lord when beginning an auspicious activity.
- Nārada Muni gives the regulative principles for Deity worship in the Nārada-pañcarātra. Those worshiping at home or in a temple should seek his mercy to avoid offenses.
Try this today
Before beginning an auspicious activity today, offer respectful obeisances to the Supreme Lord.
Ask yourself
How can I bring more respect and care into my worship?
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.