Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.17.31
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionThe Lord Ends Pride and Shows Grace
“Varuṇa continued: On reaching Him you will be rid of your pride at once and will lie down on the field of battle, surrounded by dogs, for eternal sleep. It is in order to exterminate wicked fellows like you and to show His grace to the virtuous that He assumes His various incarnations like Varāha.”
What the purport teaches
- Asuras do not know that their bodies consist of the five elements of material nature. When these bodies fall, they become objects of pastimes for dogs and vultures.
- Varuṇa advised Hiraṇyākṣa to meet Viṣṇu in His boar incarnation. His hankering for aggressive war would be satisfied, but his powerful body would be vanquished and his pride removed.
- The Lord assumes various incarnations, such as Varāha, to exterminate the wicked and show His grace to the virtuous. His appearance is not merely a display of strength; it also expresses His desire to give grace.
Try this today
Today, when you notice pride in your physical strength or appearance, pause and remember that this body consists of material elements and will not last.
Ask yourself
How does remembering the temporary nature of my body help me loosen my pride?
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.