Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.9.29
Nirodha· Winding upBhīṣmadeva Awaits the Auspicious Moment
“While Bhīṣmadeva was describing occupational duties, the sun’s course ran into the northern hemisphere. This period is desired by mystics who die at their will.”
What the purport teaches
- While Bhīṣmadeva was teaching occupational duties, the sun began its northern course. This is an auspicious time desired by expert mystics for leaving the body.
- Perfect yogīs can leave the material body at a chosen time and reach a desired planet. The purport describes self-realized souls aligned with the Supreme Lord’s interest as attaining the transcendental sky.
- Bhīṣmadeva knew this science and waited for the suitable moment. He prepared to leave his body in the presence of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Pāṇḍavas and great sages.
Try this today
Pause before one activity today and consider whether its purpose agrees with the Supreme Lord’s interests.
Ask yourself
What would it mean to align my interests more closely with the Supreme Lord’s interests?
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.