Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.19.5
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLearn Devotion and Duty from the Lord
“It was ordained that Rāvaṇa, chief of the Rākṣasas, could not be killed by anyone but a man, and for this reason Lord Rāmacandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, appeared in the form of a human being. Lord Rāmacandra’s mission, however, was not only to kill Rāvaṇa but also to teach mortal beings that material happiness centered around sex life or centered around one’s wife is the cause of many miseries. He is the self-sufficient Supreme Personality of Godhead, and nothing is lamentable for Him. Therefore why else could He be subjected to tribulations by the kidnapping of mother Sītā?”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord appears to destroy demons and protect devotees, teaching them so they will not fall from devotional service. Lord Rāmacandra’s example warns that material happiness centered on sex life brings many tribulations.
- One who accepts a wife must be faithful and give her full protection, even when this requires enduring difficulties. Lord Rāmacandra demonstrated the duty of a devoted and responsible husband.
- Lord Rāmacandra is self-sufficient and has no reason for material lamentation. His separation from Sītādevī displays transcendental bliss, and a Vaiṣṇava engaged in devotional service remains spiritually blissful despite apparent suffering.
Try this today
Take five minutes you would otherwise spend seeking sense enjoyment and use them for devotional service.
Ask yourself
How can I keep devotional service central while faithfully fulfilling my responsibilities?
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.