Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.15.69
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotee Association Surpasses Exalted Status
“Long, long ago, in another mahā-kalpa [millennium of Brahmā], I existed as the Gandharva known as Upabarhaṇa. I was very respected by the other Gandharvas.”
What the purport teaches
- Nārada Muni recalls being Upabarhaṇa, a respected Gandharva, during a previous lifetime of Lord Brahmā.
- Although he fell from his exalted position and became a śūdra, association with devotees made him more fortunate than before. In his next life he became the son of Lord Brahmā.
- Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa remembers events from millions of years ago. His pure devotee Nārada Muni can also remember events from such a distant past life.
Try this today
Make time today for a brief conversation with a devotee about spiritual life.
Ask yourself
Do I value association with devotees more than respect or social position?
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.