Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.15
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesPṛthu’s Beauty and the Soul’s Transmigration
“King Pṛthu’s body was tall and sturdy, and his complexion was fair. His arms were full and broad and his eyes as bright as the rising sun. His nose was straight, his face very beautiful, and his personality grave. His teeth were set beautifully in his smiling face.”
What the purport teaches
- King Pṛthu was tall and sturdy, with broad arms, bright eyes and a beautiful smiling face. His personality was grave.
- The purport describes kṣatriya men and women as generally beautiful. Pṛthu had not only attractive features but also all-auspicious bodily signs.
- The purport explains that mental constitution is reflected in facial features and that past deeds determine one’s next bodily features. It presents this as evidence of the soul’s transmigration through different bodies.
Try this today
Before one action today, pause to consider that deeds have consequences beyond the present moment.
Ask yourself
How does the teaching that deeds shape a future body affect my sense of responsibility today?
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.