Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.4.56
Āśraya· The supreme shelterNone Can Compete With the Supreme Lord
“Lord Śiva said: My dear son, I, Lord Brahmā and the other demigods, who rotate within this universe under the misconception of our greatness, cannot exhibit any power to compete with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for innumerable universes and their inhabitants come into existence and are annihilated by the simple direction of the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- There are innumerable universes, with innumerable Lord Brahmās, Lord Śivas and other demigods. All move within the material world under the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s direction.
- Innumerable universes and their inhabitants appear and disappear by the Lord’s simple direction. No one can compete with His strength.
- Lord Śiva also refused to protect Durvāsā Muni. He too was under the rays of the Sudarśana cakra sent by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
When pride arises today, pause and remember that no one can compete with the Supreme Lord’s strength.
Ask yourself
Where might a misconception of my own greatness keep me from acknowledging the Lord’s supremacy?
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.