Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.9.41
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionPray and Serve for Everyone’s Deliverance
“My dear Lord, You are always transcendentally situated on the other side of the river of death, but because of the reactions of our own activities, we are suffering on this side. Indeed, we have fallen into this river and are repeatedly suffering the pains of birth and death and eating horrible things. Now kindly look upon us — not only upon me but also upon all others who are suffering — and by Your causeless mercy and compassion, deliver us and maintain us.”
What the purport teaches
- Prahlāda Mahārāja prays not only for himself but for all suffering living entities. He asks the Lord to deliver and maintain them through His causeless mercy.
- Our own activities lead to repeated birth and death and determine the body we receive next. A Vaiṣṇava takes shelter of devotional service to become free from these fearful conditions.
- The goṣṭhy-ānandīs try to elevate others to Kṛṣṇa consciousness rather than seeking only their own benefit. Following this spirit, one should become a sincere servant of Kṛṣṇa and share the teachings of Bhagavad-gītā.
Try this today
Offer a prayer today asking the Lord to help all suffering living beings take shelter of His devotional service.
Ask yourself
Does my desire for spiritual progress include concern for others who are suffering?
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.