Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.16.24
Sthāna· The universe in orderProsperity Through Nature and Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
“Similarly, on Kumuda Mountain there is a great banyan tree, which is called Śatavalśa because it has a hundred main branches. From those branches come many roots, from which many rivers are flowing. These rivers flow down from the top of the mountain to the northern side of Ilāvṛta-varṣa for the benefit of those who live there. Because of these flowing rivers, all the people have ample supplies of milk, yogurt, honey, clarified butter [ghee], molasses, food grains, clothes, bedding, sitting places and ornaments. All the objects they desire are sufficiently supplied for their prosperity, and therefore they are very happy.”
What the purport teaches
- The rivers flowing from Śatavalśa on Kumuda Mountain sufficiently supply the residents’ needs. Their abundance brings prosperity and happiness.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that real opulence rests on sufficient products of nature, not gigantic skyscrapers and huge automobiles. Water enables these necessities to be produced without scarcity.
- Food grains depend on rain, and rain depends on yajña, or sacrifice, born of prescribed duties. Following these principles in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness brings prosperity and happiness in this life and the next.
Try this today
At one meal today, pause to consider how your food depends on water, nature’s products and the principles of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Ask yourself
How does this teaching change your idea of a prosperous life?
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.