Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.11.34
Sthāna· The universe in orderSurrender Frees Us from False Power
“The Lord was pacified after killing those kings who were burdensome to the earth. They were puffed up with their military strength, their horses, elephants, chariots, infantry, etc. He Himself was not a party in the fight. He simply created hostility between the powerful administrators, and they fought amongst themselves. He was like the wind which causes friction between bamboos and so sparks a fire.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord is the genuine proprietor and enjoyer of His creation. Under the deluding energy, living beings falsely claim enjoyment and misuse their strength, becoming burdens upon the earth.
- The Lord relieved the earth by creating hostility among proud, unwanted administrators without Himself joining their fight. This is compared to wind causing friction between bamboos and producing fire.
- Material activities, speculation and ideology cannot by themselves establish peace and prosperity. Taking shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, frees one from illusion and restores one’s relationship of service to Him.
Try this today
Before one task today, pause to acknowledge that your strength belongs to Kṛṣṇa and ask to use it in His service.
Ask yourself
Where am I relying on my own power while forgetting the Lord’s ownership?
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.