Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.18.25
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDepending on the Supreme Lord’s Mercy
“As Śukrācārya listened to what had happened to Devayānī, his mind was very much aggrieved. Condemning the profession of priesthood and praising the profession of uñcha-vṛtti [collecting grains from the fields], he left home with his daughter.”
What the purport teaches
- Uñcha-vṛtti means living by collecting grains from the fields. A brāhmaṇa who lives this way is called first class because he depends completely on the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Begging is allowed for a brāhmaṇa or sannyāsī, but the purport praises avoiding it when possible and depending on the Lord for maintenance.
- Śukrācārya regretted that his profession obliged him to seek mercy from his disciple. Although unwilling, he had to address his daughter’s grievance.
Try this today
Before one meal today, pause to acknowledge your dependence on the Supreme Lord’s mercy.
Ask yourself
How can I cultivate greater trust in the Supreme Lord’s mercy for my maintenance?
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.