Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.9.13
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesTolerating Continuing Hardship
“As far as my daughter-in-law Kuntī is concerned, upon the great General Pāṇḍu’s death, she became a widow with many children, and therefore she suffered greatly. And when you were grown up she suffered a great deal also because of your actions.”
What the purport teaches
- Kuntīdevī suffered greatly when Pāṇḍu died and she was left a widow with young children.
- Her suffering continued even after her children grew up, because of her sons’ actions.
- The purport explains that her suffering was destined by providence. Such hardship has to be tolerated without becoming disturbed.
Try this today
When one unavoidable discomfort arises today, pause before reacting and make a small effort to tolerate it calmly.
Ask yourself
How can Kuntīdevī’s continuing hardship help me reflect on patience in my own difficulties?
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.