Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.8.28
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesNo Defense Can Defeat the Supreme
“Making a loud, shrill sound of laughter, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa, who is extremely strong and powerful, captured Hiraṇyakaśipu, who was protecting himself with his sword and shield, leaving no gaps open. With the speed of a hawk, Hiraṇyakaśipu moved sometimes in the sky and sometimes on the earth, his eyes closed because of fear of Nṛsiṁhadeva’s laughter.”
What the purport teaches
- The translation identifies the powerful Lord as Nārāyaṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Hiraṇyakaśipu moved with the speed of a hawk and guarded himself with sword and shield, leaving no gaps open.
- Despite these defenses, the Lord captured him. Nṛsiṁhadeva’s loud, shrill laughter frightened the demon so much that he closed his eyes.
Try this today
Spend a quiet minute reflecting on the difference between the demon’s careful defenses and the Lord’s supreme strength.
Ask yourself
What does the failure of Hiraṇyakaśipu’s defenses reveal about the Lord’s power?
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.