Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.4.3-4
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionRecognize Mercy and Respond With Gratitude
“The best of the Gandharvas, King Hūhū, having been cursed by Devala Muni, had become a crocodile. Now, having been delivered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he assumed a very beautiful form as a Gandharva. Understanding by whose mercy this had happened, he immediately offered his respectful obeisances with his head and began chanting prayers just suitable for the transcendental Lord, the supreme eternal, who is worshiped by the choicest verses.”
What the purport teaches
- King Hūhū had become a crocodile through Devala Muni’s curse. Delivered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he regained a beautiful Gandharva form.
- The purport explains that the curse was actually a blessing. In only one life, he was fortunate enough to see the Supreme Lord face to face rather than wait millions of long years.
- Understanding whose mercy had delivered him, Hūhū immediately bowed his head and chanted prayers. He praised the supreme eternal Lord, who is worshiped by the choicest verses.
Try this today
Bow your head and offer one brief prayer thanking the Lord for His mercy.
Ask yourself
When I recognize the Lord’s mercy, do I take time to offer thanks?
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.