Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.19.13
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesValue Devotion Above Material Opulence
“The fortunate King said: Indeed, we are the most grateful of all the kings who are trained to get favors from the great souls. Generally you [sages] consider royalty as refuse to be rejected and left in a distant place.”
What the purport teaches
- Transcendentalists are not captivated by royal opulence. They know this material world is a shadowy reflection of the reality, the kingdom of God.
- The sages were eager to see Mahārāja Parīkṣit because he was going back to Godhead. What appeared to be condemnation was actually the Lord calling him to return.
- The King gratefully connected their kindness with the devotional service of his forefathers. Pride in the Lord’s devotees is different from vain pride in material prosperity.
Try this today
Name one devotional quality you admire in a devotee, and express your appreciation.
Ask yourself
Do you feel more admiration for material prosperity or for devotion to the Lord?
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.