Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.12.43
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesEven Lord Śiva Acknowledges Illusion
“Lord Śiva said: O Goddess, you have now seen the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the unborn master of everyone. Although I am one of the principal expansions of His Lordship, even I was illusioned by His energy. What then is to be said of others, who are fully dependent on māyā?”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the unborn master of everyone. The illusory energy belongs to Him.
- Lord Śiva openly acknowledges that even he was illusioned by the Lord’s energy, although he is one of His principal expansions.
- If Lord Śiva could be bewildered, others who are fully dependent on māyā have still greater reason for humility.
Try this today
Pause today when you feel certain of your own judgment, and remember Lord Śiva’s humble acknowledgment.
Ask yourself
Where might I be too confident that illusion cannot affect me?
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.