Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.9.47
Āśraya· The supreme shelterKnow the Original Cause Through Devotion
“By authorized Vedic knowledge one can see that the forms of cause and effect in the cosmic manifestation belong to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for the cosmic manifestation is His energy. Both cause and effect are nothing but energies of the Lord. Therefore, O my Lord, just as a wise man, by considering cause and effect, can see how fire pervades wood, those engaged in devotional service understand how You are both the cause and effect.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the original source of everything. He is the supreme ruler and has an eternal spiritual form.
- Both cause and effect in the cosmic manifestation are energies of the Lord. Devotees understand His presence in both, just as a wise person understands how fire pervades wood.
- The original cause of all causes can be understood only through devotional service. Silence and outward displays of spiritual practice cannot by themselves reveal Him.
Try this today
Reread this translation slowly, then offer a short prayer asking to understand Kṛṣṇa through devotional service.
Ask yourself
How can I make my study a form of service to Kṛṣṇa rather than merely gathering knowledge?
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.