Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.36
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesMischief Cannot Escape Responsible Rule
“O Your Majesty, though I may live anywhere and everywhere under your order, I shall but see you with bow and arrows wherever I look.”
What the purport teaches
- Kali understood that Mahārāja Parīkṣit ruled all lands. Wherever Kali went, he would encounter the same firm opposition.
- Kali was intent on mischief, while the King was intent on subduing mischief-makers. Moving elsewhere would not remove Kali’s accountability.
- Kali stood before the King as a surrendered soul. It was now for the King to decide what was required.
Try this today
Identify one responsibility you have been avoiding and take a small step to fulfill it today.
Ask yourself
Am I trying to escape accountability by changing my surroundings rather than my conduct?
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.