Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.9.64
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesA Healthy and Beautiful City
“There were emerald staircases which led to lakes full of variously colored lotus flowers and lilies, and swans, kāraṇḍavas, cakravākas, cranes and similar other valuable birds were visible in those lakes.”
What the purport teaches
- The palace grounds included gardens and small man-made lakes filled with many-colored lotus flowers and lilies.
- Staircases made of valuable jewels such as emeralds led down to the lakes. Swans, cakravākas, kāraṇḍavas and cranes lived near the beautifully positioned garden houses.
- These birds generally do not live in filthy places. Their presence helps us imagine how healthy and beautiful the city’s atmosphere was.
Try this today
Clean one small area around your home today.
Ask yourself
What does this description help you appreciate about clean and beautiful surroundings?
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.