Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.4.57-59
Āśraya· The supreme shelterApproach Lord Viṣṇu for Relief
“Past, present and future are known to me [Lord Śiva], Sanat-kumāra, Nārada, the most revered Lord Brahmā, Kapila [the son of Devahūti], Apāntaratama [Lord Vyāsadeva], Devala, Yamarāja, Āsuri, Marīci and many saintly persons headed by him, as well as many others who have achieved perfection. Nonetheless, because we are covered by the illusory energy of the Lord, we cannot understand how expansive that illusory energy is. You should simply approach that Supreme Personality of Godhead to get relief, for this Sudarśana cakra is intolerable even to us. Go to Lord Viṣṇu. He will certainly be kind enough to bestow all good fortune upon you.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śiva and many perfected saintly persons know past, present and future. Yet, covered by the Lord’s illusory energy, they cannot understand its full extent.
- Lord Śiva explained that the Sudarśana cakra was intolerable even to them. He advised Durvāsā Muni to approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead for relief.
- He directed Durvāsā Muni to Lord Viṣṇu, assuring him that the Lord would kindly bestow all good fortune.
Try this today
Offer a brief prayer to Lord Viṣṇu, asking for His merciful shelter.
Ask yourself
Can I acknowledge the limits of my understanding and approach the Supreme Lord with trust?
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.