Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 12.2.44
Nirodha· Winding upMercy Loosens Our Grip on Material Glory
“My dear King Parīkṣit, all these kings who tried to enjoy the earth by their strength were reduced by the force of time to nothing more than historical accounts.”
What the purport teaches
- Kings who tried to enjoy the earth by their strength were reduced by time to mere historical accounts. Their royal positions were ultimately insignificant.
- Parīkṣit Mahārāja was preparing to give up his body and return to Godhead. Śukadeva Gosvāmī mercifully removed any possible attachment to his position as king.
- The spiritual master teaches the surrendered disciple to loosen a strong grip on material illusion and leave the kingdom of māyā behind. Even blunt words can express causeless mercy, preparing the disciple to return to Godhead, Vaikuṇṭha.
Try this today
Today, name one attachment to status or recognition, and reread this verse while reflecting on how its teaching helps you loosen that attachment and turn toward Godhead.
Ask yourself
What position or recognition am I holding on to as though time could never take it away?
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.