Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.9.63
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHeavenly Beauty Does Not Last Forever
“The King’s residence was surrounded by gardens wherein there were varieties of trees brought from the heavenly planets. In those trees there were pairs of sweetly singing birds and almost-mad bumblebees, which made a very relishable buzzing sound.”
What the purport teaches
- The palace gardens contained varieties of trees brought from the heavenly planets, with sweetly singing birds and humming bumblebees. Heavenly flowers and fruits are described as especially pleasant and tasteful.
- The heavenly planets are called Amaraloka because death there is greatly delayed. Yet the demigods return to earth when the results of their pious activities are exhausted.
- The purport describes Lord Kṛṣṇa bringing a pārijāta tree from heaven to earth. It was planted in His palace occupied by Queen Satyabhāmā.
Try this today
While appreciating a tree or flower today, pause to remember that even heavenly enjoyment eventually ends.
Ask yourself
What does the temporary nature of heavenly life teach you about seeking lasting fulfillment in enjoyment?
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.