Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.17.13
Sthāna· The universe in orderNever Forget Service Amid Enjoyment
“In each of those tracts of land, there are many gardens filled with flowers and fruits according to the season, and there are beautifully decorated hermitages as well. Between the great mountains demarcating the borders of those lands lie enormous lakes of clear water filled with newly grown lotus flowers. Aquatic birds such as swans, ducks, water chickens, and cranes become greatly excited by the fragrance of lotus flowers, and the charming sound of bumblebees fills the air. The inhabitants of those lands are important leaders among the demigods. Always attended by their respective servants, they enjoy life in gardens alongside the lakes. In this pleasing situation, the wives of the demigods smile playfully at their husbands and look upon them with lusty desires. All the demigods and their wives are constantly supplied with sandalwood pulp and flower garlands by their servants. In this way, all the residents of the eight heavenly varṣas enjoy, attracted by the activities of the opposite sex.”
What the purport teaches
- The heavenly residents enjoy clear lakes, lotus flowers, fruitful gardens, birds and humming bees. Their surroundings provide abundant material pleasure.
- Despite their superior sense gratification, these residents are devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. They never forget their positions as His eternal servants.
- People on earth desire heavenly enjoyment, but imitation pleasures such as sex and intoxication can make them completely forget the Supreme Lord's service. The important distinction is whether enjoyment leads to forgetfulness of service.
Try this today
During one pleasant moment today, pause and remember, “I am an eternal servant of the Supreme Lord.”
Ask yourself
When life is pleasant, do I still remember my position as the Lord's servant?
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.