Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.12.36
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa Is Everyone’s Supreme Master
“Thus Lord Śiva could understand his position and that of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who has unlimited potencies. Having reached this understanding, he was not at all surprised by the wonderful way Lord Viṣṇu had acted upon him.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śiva understood his own position and the unlimited potency of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He was therefore not surprised by Lord Viṣṇu’s actions.
- No one can equal or surpass the Supreme Lord. Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the only master of everyone, including Lord Śiva.
- Lord Śiva already knew Lord Viṣṇu’s supreme power. After personally experiencing it, he felt proud to have such an exalted master.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, remember that Kṛṣṇa is the master and you are His servant.
Ask yourself
How would remembering Kṛṣṇa as my supreme master change my attitude toward service?
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.