Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.18.27
Āśraya· The supreme shelterThe Supreme Lord Maintains Everyone
“My Lord, from the great leaders of the universe, such as Lord Brahmā and other demigods, down to the political leaders of this world, all are envious of Your authority. Without Your help, however, they could neither separately nor concertedly maintain the innumerable living entities within the universe. You are actually the only maintainer of all human beings, of animals like cows and asses, and of plants, reptiles, birds, mountains and whatever else is visible within this material world.”
What the purport teaches
- Neither great universal leaders nor earthly leaders can maintain living beings without the Lord’s help. Their efforts, whether separate or combined, cannot replace His maintenance.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead alone supplies the necessities of life to all living entities. Human beings, animals, birds and trees all depend on Him.
- False prestige leads people to challenge the Lord’s authority and claim to be maintainers. Even devotees can become bewildered by the illusory energy in this way.
Try this today
Before eating today, thank the Supreme Lord for supplying the necessities of life.
Ask yourself
When I help others, do I remember the Supreme Lord as the actual maintainer?
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.