Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.7.17
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesGiving Everything to the Lord Brings Gain
“The Lord, although transcendental to all material modes, still surpassed all the qualities of the sons of Aditi, known as the Ādityas. The Lord appeared as the youngest son of Aditi. And because He surpassed all the planets of the universe, He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. On the pretense of asking for a measurement of three footsteps of land, He took away all the lands of Bali Mahārāja. He asked simply because without begging, no authority can take one’s rightful possession.”
What the purport teaches
- Although appearing as Aditi’s youngest son, the Lord surpassed the Ādityas and remained transcendental to the material modes. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and proprietor of everything.
- Lord Vāmana asked Bali Mahārāja for three footsteps of land rather than simply taking his rightful possessions. Recognizing Him as Viṣṇu, Bali Mahārāja agreed despite Śukrācārya’s objection.
- After the Lord covered all the lands with two steps, Bali Mahārāja gladly offered his head for the third. By giving everything to the Lord, he gained the Lord as his constant companion and doorman.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes today specifically for the Lord’s service, offering that time willingly rather than as a loss.
Ask yourself
How does Bali Mahārāja’s example change your understanding of giving to the Lord?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.