Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.16.22
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSeek Guidance Rather Than Dictate
“Śrīmatī Aditi said: O brāhmaṇa, tell me the regulative principles by which I may worship the supreme master of the world so that He will be pleased with me and fulfill all my desires.”
What the purport teaches
- A person may desire many things, but their fulfillment depends on the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- A disciple must first decide to worship the Supreme Lord and then receive correct directions from the spiritual master. One should not dictate instructions, just as a patient should not dictate a physician’s prescription.
- Aditi was distressed because her sons had lost everything. She sought shelter of the Supreme Lord under the direction of Kaśyapa Muni.
Try this today
Write down one sincere question about worship, without deciding beforehand what the answer must be.
Ask yourself
Do I seek spiritual guidance with openness, or only look for confirmation of what I already want?
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.