Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.4.12
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotion Seeks the Welfare of All
“Those who are devoted to the cause of the Personality of Godhead live only for the welfare, development and happiness of others. They do not live for any selfish interest. So even though the Emperor [Parīkṣit] was free from all attachment to worldly possessions, how could he give up his mortal body, which was the shelter for others?”
What the purport teaches
- Parīkṣit Mahārāja was an ideal king and householder because he was a devotee of the Personality of Godhead. Though personally unattached to opulence, he worked for his citizens' welfare in this life and the next.
- His protection extended to men, animals, plants and all living creatures. He would not protect one living being while allowing another to be killed.
- His interest was to please the Personality of Godhead, not to serve selfish interests. His administration aimed to guide everyone back home, back to Godhead.
Try this today
Do one small act of care for another living being today, with the intention of pleasing the Lord rather than gaining recognition.
Ask yourself
How can my care for others include their spiritual welfare as well as their immediate needs?
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.