Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.22.31-32
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyTrue Fortune Is Serving Others
“[Lord Kṛṣṇa said:] O Stoka Kṛṣṇa and Aṁśu, O Śrīdāma, Subala and Arjuna, O Viśāla, Vṛṣabha, Ojasvī, Devaprastha and Varūthapa, just see these greatly fortunate trees, whose lives are completely dedicated to the benefit of others. Even while tolerating the wind, rain, heat and snow, they protect us from these elements.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa called the trees greatly fortunate because their lives were completely dedicated to the benefit of others.
- The trees tolerate wind, rain, heat and snow while protecting others from these same conditions.
- Preparing to bless the wives of the hard-hearted ritualistic brāhmaṇas, Kṛṣṇa indicated that helpful trees are superior to brāhmaṇas who neglect others’ welfare. Members of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement should soberly study this point.
Try this today
Do one small act today that gives someone comfort or protection, remembering Kṛṣṇa’s praise of the trees.
Ask yourself
Does my devotional life include practical concern for the welfare of others?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.