Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.20.21
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesResponsible Leadership Supports Devotion
“The original king, Mahārāja Pṛthu, his eyes full of tears and his voice faltering and choked up, could neither see the Lord very distinctly nor speak to address the Lord in any way. He simply embraced the Lord within his heart and remained standing in that way with folded hands.”
What the purport teaches
- Pṛthu Mahārāja stood with folded hands, tears in his eyes and his voice choked with emotion. Unable to speak, he embraced the Lord within his heart.
- As the ideal king, Pṛthu protected his citizens and kept them engaged in pious activities and devotion to the Lord. He did not collect taxes without providing protection.
- Even a responsible king can become a pure devotee of the first order. The purport explains that spreading the pure message of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam develops Kṛṣṇa consciousness and reduces lust and greed.
Try this today
Read a short passage of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam today with the intention of becoming purer in your daily responsibilities.
Ask yourself
How can I carry out my responsibilities while encouraging devotion rather than greed?
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.