Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.19.28
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSeek Devotion Rather Than Heavenly Enjoyment
“We are now living in the heavenly planets, undoubtedly as a result of our having performed ritualistic ceremonies, pious activities and yajñas and having studied the Vedas. However, our lives here will one day be finished. We pray that at that time, if any merit remains from our pious activities, we may again take birth in Bhārata-varṣa as human beings able to remember the lotus feet of the Lord. The Lord is so kind that He personally comes to the land of Bhārata-varṣa and expands the good fortune of its people.”
What the purport teaches
- Life in the heavenly planets ends when the results of pious activities are exhausted. Even the demigods must then return to earth.
- The demigods pray for human birth in Bhārata-varṣa so they can remember the Lord’s lotus feet. They value its opportunity to cultivate Kṛṣṇa consciousness above heavenly enjoyment.
- Those born in Bhārata-varṣa should learn from the śāstras and guru and take advantage of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s mercy. By perfecting Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one can go back home, back to Godhead.
Try this today
Read a short passage from the supplied teaching today, then spend a moment remembering the Lord’s lotus feet.
Ask yourself
Do I value the opportunity to remember Kṛṣṇa more than temporary comfort?
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.