Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.3.5
Āśraya· The supreme shelterTake Shelter Beyond the Darkness
“In due course of time, when all the causative and effective manifestations of the universe, including the planets and their directors and maintainers, are annihilated, there is a situation of dense darkness. Above this darkness, however, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I take shelter of His lotus feet.”
What the purport teaches
- In due course of time, the planets, their maintainers, and all causes and effects within the universe disappear. The cosmic situation then becomes one of dense darkness.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead is above everything, including Brahmā and Śiva. He remains the supreme controller even when the universe disappears.
- Like the sun that remains luminous while we experience night, the Supreme Lord always shines beyond cosmic darkness. Gajendra takes shelter of His lotus feet.
Try this today
Read the translation slowly, then express in your own words your wish to take shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet.
Ask yourself
How does remembering the Lord’s enduring presence deepen my desire for His shelter?
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.