Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.30
Āśraya· The supreme shelterSuccess Depends on the Supreme Lord
“Although abominable persons like my father, Vena, the grandson of death personified, are bewildered on the path of religion, all the great personalities like those mentioned agree that in this world the only bestower of the benedictions of religion, economic development, sense gratification, liberation or elevation to the heavenly planets is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”
What the purport teaches
- Vena rejected the Supreme Personality of Godhead and stopped Vedic sacrifices meant to satisfy Him. Pṛthu Mahārāja rejected this understanding of religion.
- Religion consists of the codes of law given by God. Morality, careful plans, and hard work alone do not explain why people receive different results.
- We depend on the Lord not only for liberation but also for ordinary necessities. Our efforts to overcome material obstacles cannot succeed without His favor.
Try this today
Before beginning one duty today, pause and acknowledge your dependence on the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Ask yourself
Where do I assume that my effort alone guarantees success?
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.