Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.22.53
Visarga· Brahmā's creationPurify Family Life Through Devotional Purpose
“Being situated in the liberated position of devotional service, Pṛthu Mahārāja not only performed all fruitive activities but also begot five sons by his wife, Arci. Indeed, all his sons were begotten according to his own desire.”
What the purport teaches
- Pṛthu Mahārāja remained situated in the liberated position of devotional service while fulfilling household duties. He and Arci had five sons according to their desire.
- The purport emphasizes saṁskāras, or purificatory methods, especially garbhādhāna-saṁskāra before conceiving a child. It teaches that the parents’ mental condition affects the child.
- Pṛthu Mahārāja did not beget children out of lust or attraction to sense gratification. He acted responsibly as a householder, preparing for the future administration of his kingdom.
Try this today
Before one family responsibility today, pause and choose to carry it out as devotional duty rather than for personal gratification.
Ask yourself
How can I approach family responsibilities with a more purified and devotional purpose?
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.