Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.8.16
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord Reveals His Presence Through Sound
“While showing his extraordinary prowess, Hiraṇyakaśipu, who desired to kill his own son, heard that wonderful, tumultuous sound, which had never before been heard. Upon hearing the sound, the other leaders of the demons were afraid. None of them could find the origin of that sound in the assembly.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa explains that He is the sound in ether. Here the tumultuous sound was proof of the Lord’s presence.
- Hiraṇyakaśipu and the other demon leaders became extremely afraid, although they could not trace the sound’s source.
- However powerful a person may be, a thunderbolt can cause fear. Through this sound, the demons could realize the supreme ruling power of the Lord.
Try this today
When you notice a sound today, briefly remember Kṛṣṇa’s statement that He is the sound in ether.
Ask yourself
Do I remember the Lord’s supreme power when I feel confident in my own abilities?
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.