Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.72.21
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyUse the Temporary for Enduring Benefit
“Hariścandra, Rantideva, Uñchavṛtti Mudgala, Śibi, Bali, the legendary hunter and pigeon, and many others have attained the permanent by means of the impermanent.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa and the two Pāṇḍavas gave examples of people who used temporary bodies for enduring benefit. Because Jarāsandha was a materialist, they appealed to his interest in heavenly life.
- Heavenly life lasts so long that it appears permanent to people on earth. The examples describe charity, hospitality, protection and renunciation leading to higher destinations.
- Bali Mahārāja gave all his property to Lord Hari, who appeared as Vāmanadeva, and gained the Lord’s personal association. His example directs attention to giving in service to the Lord.
Try this today
Offer a small portion of your time or resources today in devotional service to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Ask yourself
How can I use what is temporary in my life to serve 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.