Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.4.17-18
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSelfless Devotees Work for Everyone's Welfare
“The great sage, who was fully equipped in knowledge, could see through his transcendental vision the deterioration of everything material due to the influence of the age. He could also see that the faithless people in general would be reduced in duration of life and would be impatient due to lack of goodness. Thus he contemplated for the welfare of men in all statuses and orders of life.”
What the purport teaches
- The powerful influence of time causes material things to deteriorate. In Kali-yuga, reduced nourishment, shorter lives and weaker memory add to people's difficulties.
- Through transcendental vision, Vyāsadeva saw these conditions and considered the welfare of people in every status and order of life.
- Devotees who represent his mission are selfless workers and real friends of the people. Their common aim is to deliver fallen souls back home, back to Godhead.
Try this today
Spend five attentive minutes reading this purport as guidance from a selfless spiritual well-wisher.
Ask yourself
How receptive am I to spiritual guidance offered for my lasting welfare?
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.