Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.6.17
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord Acts for His Pleasure
“Although the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of the demigods, was capable of performing the activities of the demigods by Himself, He wanted to enjoy pastimes in churning the ocean. Therefore He spoke as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the master of the demigods.
- He could perform the demigods’ activities by Himself. Their work did not exceed His power.
- He wanted to enjoy pastimes in churning the ocean. With this desire, He began to speak to the demigods.
Try this today
Reread the verse and pause to reflect that the Supreme Personality of Godhead could accomplish the work by Himself.
Ask yourself
How does this verse distinguish the Lord’s ability from His desire to enjoy pastimes?
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.