Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.16.23
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionAccept a Guru for Spiritual Direction
“O best of the brāhmaṇas, kindly instruct me in the perfect method of worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead in devotional service, by which the Lord may very soon be pleased with me and save me, along with my sons, from this most dangerous condition.”
What the purport teaches
- One who seriously desires spiritual advancement must accept a guru for proper direction in devotional service.
- The ācārya is the representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and should be worshiped. Scripture and the practical behavior of devotees establish the need for a guru.
- Aditi accepted her husband as her guru. She asked him how to advance in devotional service by worshiping the Supreme Lord.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes to study an instruction on devotional service from the spiritual master.
Ask yourself
How willing am I to receive direction in devotional 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.