Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.16.34
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionThe Lord Relieves Earth and Restores Religion
“O personality of religion, I was greatly overburdened by the undue military phalanxes arranged by atheistic kings, and I was relieved by the grace of the Personality of Godhead. Similarly you were also in a distressed condition, weakened in your standing strength, and thus He also incarnated by His internal energy in the family of the Yadus to relieve you.”
What the purport teaches
- The asuras seek sense gratification even at the cost of others’ happiness. Atheistic rulers increase deadly military strength for their own advancement, burdening the earth.
- As this influence increases, those who follow religious principles suffer, especially the devotees. Both the earth and the personality of religion needed relief.
- Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa appeared by His internal energy in the family of the Yadus. As the Personality of Godhead, He fulfilled His mission of vanquishing the asuras and reestablishing true religious principles.
Try this today
In one decision today, give up a personal convenience if keeping it would needlessly trouble someone else.
Ask yourself
Does any pursuit of my own enjoyment come at the cost of someone else’s happiness?
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.