Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.10.15
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognize the Lord’s Extraordinary Power
“My Lord, You may use my water as You like. Indeed, You may cross it and go to the abode of Rāvaṇa, who is the great source of disturbance and crying for the three worlds. He is the son of Viśravā, but is condemned like urine. Please go kill him and thus regain Your wife, Sītādevī. O great hero, although my water presents no impediment to Your going to Laṅkā, please construct a bridge over it to spread Your transcendental fame. Upon seeing this wonderfully uncommon deed of Your Lordship, all the great heroes and kings in the future will glorify You.”
What the purport teaches
- Rāvaṇa caused disturbances throughout the three worlds. His birth as the son of Viśravā did not make his conduct glorious.
- Lord Rāmacandra is omnipotent and is not hindered by material obstacles. His bridge of floating stones displayed His extraordinary power and spread His fame.
- We accept Lord Rāmacandra and Lord Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead because of their transcendentally wonderful activities. The śāstras describe these activities; a little magic or popular approval does not establish someone as God.
Try this today
Reread the purport’s account of the floating stones and reflect on the Lord’s extraordinary power.
Ask yourself
Why is scriptural understanding more reliable than being impressed by a display of magic?
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.