Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.7.32
Nirodha· Winding upGreat Power, Held Without Self-Importance
“When annihilation is performed by the flames and sparks emanating from your eyes, the entire creation is burned to ashes. Nonetheless, you do not know how this happens. What then is to be said of your destroying the Dakṣa-yajña, Tripurāsura and the kālakūṭa poison? Such activities cannot be subject matters for prayers offered to you.”
What the purport teaches
- At annihilation, flames and sparks from Lord Śiva’s eyes burn the entire creation to ashes. Yet he considers his great acts very unimportant.
- Compared with such destruction, counteracting the strong poison produced by the churning was a small matter for him.
- Through their praise, the demigods indirectly prayed that Lord Śiva counteract the kālakūṭa poison spreading throughout the universe.
Try this today
Do one helpful task today without seeking praise for it.
Ask yourself
Can I use my abilities to help without making much of my own achievements?
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.