Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.7.18
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesExchange Temporary Possessions for Eternal Service
“Bali Mahārāja, who put on his head the water washed from the lotus feet of the Lord, did not think of anything besides his promise, in spite of being forbidden by his spiritual master. The king dedicated his own personal body to fulfill the measurement of the Lord’s third step. For such a personality, even the kingdom of heaven, which he conquered by his strength, was of no value.”
What the purport teaches
- Bali Mahārāja was not a loser by sacrificing his kingdom. He gained the Lord’s transcendental favor and a place in Vaikuṇṭhaloka.
- Material possessions cannot remain with us permanently. Their best use is to engage them in the service of the Lord.
- One should practice possessing only what is needed and avoid creating artificial needs. Through bhakti-yoga, one attains permanent existence in loving service to the Lord.
Try this today
Skip one unnecessary purchase today, remembering that temporary possessions are best used in the Lord’s service.
Ask yourself
Which possession or artificial need most distracts me from serving 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.