Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.15.31
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord’s Extraordinary Speed
“Lord Paraśurāma, being expert in killing the military strength of the enemy, worked with the speed of the mind and the wind, slicing his enemies with his chopper [paraśu]. Wherever he went, the enemies fell, their legs, arms and shoulders being severed, their chariot drivers killed, and their carriers, the elephants and horses, all annihilated.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Paraśurāma was expert in destroying the enemy’s military strength with his chopper.
- The purport explains that he first entered the army at the speed of mind. When somewhat tired, he slowed to the speed of wind and continued vigorously.
- The speed of mind is greater than the speed of wind. Wherever the Lord went, the opposing soldiers, chariot drivers, elephants and horses fell.
Try this today
Reread the purport and note the order of the two speeds it describes.
Ask yourself
What does the purport’s explanation of these two speeds help you notice about the Lord’s actions?
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.