Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.29.42
Sthāna· The universe in orderRecognize the Lawmaker Behind Nature’s Laws
“Out of fear of the Supreme Personality of Godhead the rivers flow, and the ocean never overflows. Out of fear of Him only does fire burn and does the earth, with its mountains, not sink in the water of the universe.”
What the purport teaches
- The purport describes Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu lying on the water that fills half the universe. The planets exist within the stem of the lotus growing from His abdomen.
- Scientists can discover laws of nature, but the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the lawmaker. The purport directs us to recognize Him behind those laws.
- The planets, though heavy with mountains, oceans and buildings, remain afloat by the Lord’s order or energy. The rivers, ocean, fire and earth also act under His control.
Try this today
Reread the translation and identify one natural activity it connects with the Lord’s control.
Ask yourself
When I think about nature’s laws, do I also consider the supreme lawmaker?
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.