Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.3.15-16
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotion Surpasses Austerity for Sense Gratification
“Lord Brahmā, who is carried by a swan airplane, at first could not see where Hiraṇyakaśipu was, for Hiraṇyakaśipu’s body was covered by an anthill and by grass and bamboo sticks. Because Hiraṇyakaśipu had been there for a long time, the ants had devoured his skin, fat, flesh and blood. Then Lord Brahmā and the demigods spotted him, resembling a cloud-covered sun, heating all the world by his austerity. Struck with wonder, Lord Brahmā began to smile and then addressed him as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- Hiraṇyakaśipu remained alive although his body was almost consumed and hidden beneath material coverings. The purport explains that the living entity is distinct from the material covering.
- Despite extraordinary austerity, Hiraṇyakaśipu remained a Daitya and Rākṣasa because his efforts were for sense gratification. Such austerity made him fearful to the world.
- Prahlāda Mahārāja became dear to the Supreme Lord through devotional service and received His personal protection. Even a little devotional service benefits others, and bhakti frees one from material designations and desires.
Try this today
Perform one small act of devotional service today without seeking a personal reward.
Ask yourself
Are my spiritual efforts aimed at sense gratification or at devotional service?
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.