Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.25.9
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHear Carefully and Recognize Material Entanglement
“In this connection I wish to narrate an old history connected with the character of a king called Purañjana. Please try to hear me with great attention.”
What the purport teaches
- Nārada Muni presents King Prācīnabarhiṣat’s life indirectly through the history of King Purañjana. Purañjana means “one who enjoys in a body.”
- The path of karma-kāṇḍa, or fruitive activity, is difficult and risky. For the sake of future sense enjoyment, a person endures much trouble in the present.
- Attachment to sense enjoyment makes the ultimate goal of life difficult to understand and can keep one from being attracted to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Nārada therefore uses a story to help the King receive his instruction.
Try this today
Read the translation again without distractions, then identify one trouble you accept for the sake of future sense enjoyment.
Ask yourself
Is attachment to future enjoyment making it harder for me to receive spiritual instruction?
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.