Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.18.4
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesJoy Fills Every Direction
“At that time, there was happiness in all directions, in the reservoirs of water like the rivers and oceans, and in the core of everyone’s heart. The various seasons displayed their respective qualities, and all living entities in the upper planetary system, in outer space and on the surface of the earth were jubilant. The demigods, the cows, the brāhmaṇas and the hills and mountains were all filled with joy.”
What the purport teaches
- Happiness filled all directions, the rivers and oceans, and the core of everyone’s heart.
- The seasons displayed their respective qualities. Living entities in the upper planetary system, outer space and on earth were jubilant.
- The demigods, cows, brāhmaṇas, hills and mountains were all filled with joy.
Try this today
Reread the verse and pause to appreciate how many beings and places shared in this happiness.
Ask yourself
How does this description of widespread joy deepen my appreciation of the Lord’s appearance?
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.