Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.80.12-13
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSeeing Kṛṣṇa Is Life’s Greatest Achievement
“[Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued:] When his wife thus repeatedly implored him in various ways, the brāhmaṇa thought to himself, “To see Lord Kṛṣṇa is indeed the greatest achievement in life.” Thus he decided to go, but first he told her, “My good wife, if there is anything in the house I can bring as a gift, please give it to me.””
What the purport teaches
- Sudāmā was naturally humble and was at first dissatisfied with his wife’s proposal.
- After her repeated requests, he settled his mind and decided to go. He considered seeing Lord Kṛṣṇa the greatest achievement in life.
- Before leaving, he asked his wife for something to bring as a gift. He wanted to take a present for his friend.
Try this today
Set aside a small gift you already have to offer to Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
How would my priorities change if I valued seeing Kṛṣṇa as life’s greatest achievement?
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.