Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.1.12
Sthāna· The universe in orderUse Everything in Kṛṣṇa’s Service
“One cannot avoid the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, not by the strength of severe austerities, an exalted Vedic education, or the power of mystic yoga, physical prowess or intellectual activities. Nor can one use his power of religion, his material opulence or any other means, either by himself or with the help of others, to defy the orders of the Supreme Lord. That is not possible for any living being, from Brahmā down to the ant.”
What the purport teaches
- No living being can escape the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s control. Austerity, education, mystic power, intelligence and wealth cannot overcome His laws.
- Priyavrata was to use his intelligence to follow both Brahmā and Nārada, neglecting neither. Material responsibilities should be accepted without attachment and connected with the Lord’s service.
- Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the supreme proprietor and enjoyer. Family life or ruling a kingdom is not harmful when everything is accepted for His service, whatever the circumstances.
Try this today
Choose one resource you already have—time, money or a useful possession—and use a small part of it for Kṛṣṇa’s service today.
Ask yourself
What resource or responsibility can I use for Kṛṣṇa’s service rather than merely for my own 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.