Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.1.29
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSpiritual Awareness Amid Household Responsibilities
“After Kavi, Mahāvīra and Savana were completely trained in the paramahaṁsa stage of life, Mahārāja Priyavrata ruled the universe for eleven arbudas of years. Whenever he was determined to fix his arrow upon his bowstring with his two powerful arms, all opponents of the regulative principles of religious life would flee from his presence in fear of the unparalleled prowess he displayed in ruling the universe. He greatly loved his wife Barhiṣmatī, and with the increase of days, their exchange of nuptial love also increased. By her feminine behavior as she dressed herself, walked, got up, smiled, laughed, and glanced about, Queen Barhiṣmatī increased his energy. Thus although he was a great soul, he appeared lost in the feminine conduct of his wife. He behaved with her just like an ordinary man, but actually he was a great soul.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Priyavrata strictly maintained varṇāśrama-dharma, the four social divisions and four spiritual orders. Its purpose is to maintain social order and help people progress toward spiritual understanding.
- Queen Barhiṣmatī encouraged Priyavrata in carrying out his responsibilities. The purport explains the importance of a good wife’s support in household life and government.
- Although Priyavrata appeared absorbed in his wife’s affection like an ordinary husband, he remained fully aware of his position as a spirit soul. His outward household behavior did not reveal the full depth of his spiritual understanding.
Try this today
Before one household duty today, pause briefly to remember your spiritual identity, then carry out the duty attentively.
Ask yourself
How can I carry out my responsibilities while remembering that I am a spirit soul?
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.