Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.85.38
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLove Makes Bali’s Heart Melt
“Taking hold of the Lords’ lotus feet again and again, Bali, the conqueror of Indra’s army, spoke from his heart, which was melting out of his intense love. O King, as tears of ecstasy filled his eyes and the hair on his limbs stood on end, he began to speak with faltering words.”
What the purport teaches
- Bali repeatedly grasps the Lords’ lotus feet, his heart melting with intense love.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda describes him holding the Lord’s lotus feet to his chest and sometimes placing them upon his head, feeling transcendental bliss.
- Tears of love and affection fill his eyes, and his bodily hairs stand on end. He begins speaking from his heart with faltering words.
Try this today
Offer a few sincere words to the Lord today, reflecting on Bali’s love for His lotus feet.
Ask yourself
What does Bali’s heartfelt response teach me about loving devotion?
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.