Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.19.24
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyDevotional Service Is Everyone’s Permanent Duty
“O trustworthy brāhmaṇas, I now ask you about my immediate duty. Please, after proper deliberation, tell me of the unalloyed duty of everyone in all circumstances, and specifically of those who are just about to die.”
What the purport teaches
- The King asked about everyone’s duty in all circumstances and the specific duty of someone about to die. The second question concerns everyone, because everyone must eventually die.
- The length of life is less important than understanding its duty. The conclusion is that devotional service to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa is everyone’s permanent duty.
- Mahārāja Parīkṣit sought the sages’ considered agreement so he could proceed without controversy. The first-class method is to surrender at the Lord’s lotus feet, giving up other methods.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes today specifically for devotional service to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
How would remembering that my life is temporary change the priority I give devotional service?
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.