Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.51.50
Nirodha· Winding upUse Human Life for Worship
“The body that at first rides high on fierce elephants or chariots adorned with gold and is known by the name “king” is later, by Your invincible power of time, called “feces,” “worms,” or “ashes.””
What the purport teaches
- Even a body honored as a king comes under the Lord’s invincible power of time. Its final condition is feces, worms, or ashes.
- Death is certain, and the body’s ultimate fate is never sublime. High position and impressive titles cannot change this.
- Human life is obtained after great struggle through many species. Those who neglect worship of Lord Viṣṇu, who brings real happiness, become enemies of themselves and humanity.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today to worship Lord Viṣṇu rather than attend to your appearance or status.
Ask yourself
Am I giving more attention to bodily status than to worship of the Lord?
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.