Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.9.35
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSelf-Realization Means Belonging to the Lord
“Lord Brahmā, who is celebrated as ātma-yoni, having been born without a mother, was struck with wonder. Thus he took shelter of the lotus flower, and when he had been purified after undergoing severe austerities for many hundreds of years, he could see that the cause of all causes, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was spread throughout his own body and senses, just as aroma, although very subtle, is perceived in the earth.”
What the purport teaches
- After becoming purified through severe austerities, Brahmā perceived the Supreme Lord throughout his body and senses. The purport says this realization is possible for everyone.
- Ahaṁ brahmāsmi does not mean that the individual soul is the Supreme Lord. It means realizing that the soul is His part and the body is made of His energy, while He remains different from the individual.
- As aromas and colors are present in the earth though unseen, the Lord spreads everywhere through His energies. Brahmā realized this through austerity, and we should receive knowledge from him.
Try this today
Pause today and reflect: “I am part of the Supreme Lord; my body is made of His energy, yet He is different from me.”
Ask yourself
How does knowing that you belong to the Lord differ from thinking that you are the Lord?
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.