Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.5.6
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesEverything Is Possible for Lord Viṣṇu
“Although the great activities and transcendental qualities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s various incarnations are wonderfully described, sometimes we are unable to understand them. Yet everything is possible for Lord Viṣṇu. If one could count the atoms of the universe, then he could count the qualities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. But no one can count the atoms of the universe, nor can anyone count the transcendental qualities of the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord’s glorious activities include Varāhadeva’s fight with Hiraṇyākṣa, who was formerly His personal bodyguard Jaya.
- Some authorities explain that there are two Varāhas; others say Varāha remained in the water from Svāyambhuva Manu’s reign until Raivata Manu’s. To doubts about this, the purport answers that everything is possible for the Lord.
- No one can count the atoms of the universe. Similarly, no one can count Lord Viṣṇu’s transcendental qualities.
Try this today
Spend one quiet minute reflecting on the statement that no one can count the Lord’s transcendental qualities.
Ask yourself
How can you remain humble when the Lord’s activities exceed your understanding?
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.