Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.9.8
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHumility Supports Spiritual Progress
“Prahlāda Mahārāja prayed: How is it possible for me, who have been born in a family of asuras, to offer suitable prayers to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead? Even until now, all the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmā, and all the saintly persons, could not satisfy the Lord by streams of excellent words, although such persons are very qualified, being in the mode of goodness. Then what is to be said of me? I am not at all qualified.”
What the purport teaches
- Although Prahlāda was a pure, exalted Vaiṣṇava, he considered himself unqualified to offer prayers. Even qualified devotees approach the Supreme Lord humbly.
- One should not be falsely proud of one’s Vaiṣṇava qualifications. Without meekness and humility, spiritual progress is very difficult.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu teaches humility, tolerance, freedom from false prestige and respect for others. In this state of mind, one can constantly chant the Lord’s holy name.
Try this today
Chant the Lord’s holy name today while consciously setting aside the wish to be praised.
Ask yourself
Where does pride in my spiritual efforts make it harder to respect others?
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.