Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.48
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotion Gives Life Lasting Value
“All the saintly brāhmaṇas thus addressed Pṛthu Mahārāja: O best of the warriors, O father of this globe, may you be blessed with a long life, for you have great devotion to the infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the master of all the universe.”
What the purport teaches
- The saintly persons blessed Pṛthu Mahārāja with a long life because of his unflinching faith and devotion. The Lord he served is the master of the entire universe.
- The purport explains that a devotee can surpass the prescribed duration of life. It also describes how a devotee lives on through a lasting good reputation.
- The greatest reputation is to be known as a great devotee of the Lord. Such a devotee lives forever in the Vaikuṇṭha planets and is remembered in this world.
Try this today
Spend a few quiet minutes in devotional service today without seeking recognition.
Ask yourself
Do I value being known for devotion more than being known for other achievements?
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.