Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.30.16
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesUnite Different Duties in Satisfying Kṛṣṇa
“You brothers are all of the same nature, being My devotees and obedient sons of your father. Similarly, that girl is also of the same type and is dedicated to all of you. Thus both the girl and you, the sons of Prācīnabarhiṣat, are on the same platform, being united on a common principle.”
What the purport teaches
- The brothers and the girl shared a common nature and purpose. Their marriage was a special arrangement blessed by the Lord, not an ordinary example to imitate.
- Apṛthag-dharma means occupational duty without difference of purpose. Like different limbs maintaining one body, people can perform different duties for the satisfaction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Work performed for the Lord’s satisfaction frees one from bondage. Following the Pracetās, our only aim should be to act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness for His satisfaction.
Try this today
Before one duty today, pause and consciously make the Lord’s satisfaction your purpose.
Ask yourself
How could my daily duties share the single purpose of satisfying Kṛṣṇa?
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.