Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.23.20
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesFinding Joy in Steady Service
“Although she was not accustomed to such difficulties, Queen Arci followed her husband in the regulative principles of living in the forest like great sages. She lay down on the ground and ate only fruits, flowers and leaves, and because she was not fit for these activities, she became frail and thin. Yet because of the pleasure she derived in serving her husband, she did not feel any difficulties.”
What the purport teaches
- Queen Arci followed her husband’s forest vows with determination. Although the austere life made her frail and thin, she found pleasure in serving him.
- The purport describes husband and wife as trained for a life dedicated to a higher purpose. Their responsibilities were meant to support that purpose through different stages of life.
- Spiritual life calls for reducing bodily comforts. Arci’s happiness came from service rather than comfortable living.
Try this today
Set aside one small convenience today to make time for a helpful act of service.
Ask yourself
When has sincere service brought you more satisfaction than personal comfort?
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.