Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.16.5
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionSacrifice Supports the Welfare of All
“This King alone, in his own body, will be able in due course of time to maintain all living entities and keep them in a pleasant condition by manifesting himself as different demigods to perform various departmental activities. Thus he will maintain the upper planetary system by inducing the populace to perform Vedic sacrifices. In due course of time he will also maintain this earthly planet by discharging proper rainfall.”
What the purport teaches
- The demigods who maintain the world are assistants to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. His incarnation can perform their functions to keep the planetary systems in order.
- Living bodies depend on food grains, grains depend on rain, and rain comes through sacrifice. Pṛthu would engage citizens in sacrifice so that there would be no scarcity or distress.
- For Kali-yuga, the scriptures advise chanting the Lord’s holy names. The purport recommends the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra to counteract the unfortunate condition of government.
Try this today
Chant once attentively: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.
Ask yourself
How does this teaching help me recognize dependence on the Lord rather than human planning alone?
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.