Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.72.24-25
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesBali Gave Despite Losing His Position
“Indeed, the spotless glories of Bali Mahārāja are heard throughout the world. Lord Viṣṇu, wishing to recover Indra’s opulence from Bali, appeared before him in the guise of a brāhmaṇa and made him fall from his powerful position. Though aware of the ruse and forbidden by his guru, Bali, king of the demons, still gave Viṣṇu the whole earth in charity.”
What the purport teaches
- Jarāsandha recalled that Bali Mahārāja’s spotless glories were heard throughout the world.
- Lord Viṣṇu appeared as a brāhmaṇa to recover Indra’s opulence from Bali, bringing Bali down from his powerful position.
- Although Bali knew of the ruse and his guru forbade him, he still gave Lord Viṣṇu the whole earth in charity.
Try this today
Reflect for one minute on Bali’s gift, and name one possession you find difficult to offer for the Lord’s service.
Ask yourself
What does Bali’s willingness to give Lord Viṣṇu everything reveal about my own attachments?
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.