Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.24.10
Sthāna· The universe in orderExtraordinary Beauty Attracts the Senses
“The parks and gardens in the artificial heavens surpass in beauty those of the upper heavenly planets. The trees in those gardens, embraced by creepers, bend with a heavy burden of twigs with fruits and flowers, and therefore they appear extraordinarily beautiful. That beauty could attract anyone and make his mind fully blossom in the pleasure of sense gratification. There are many lakes and reservoirs with clear, transparent water, agitated by jumping fish and decorated with many flowers such as lilies, kuvalayas, kahlāras and blue and red lotuses. Pairs of cakravākas and many other water birds nest in the lakes and always enjoy in a happy mood, making sweet, pleasing vibrations that are very satisfying and conducive to enjoyment of the senses.”
What the purport teaches
- The gardens of these artificial heavens surpass those of the upper heavenly planets in beauty. Creepers embrace trees whose branches bend under fruits and flowers.
- Clear lakes and reservoirs are stirred by jumping fish and decorated with lilies, kuvalayas, kahlāras, and blue and red lotuses.
- Pairs of cakravākas and other water birds make sweet, pleasing sounds. The sights and sounds attract the mind and encourage enjoyment of the senses.
Try this today
When you encounter a beautiful sight or pleasing sound today, pause and notice how it attracts your mind.
Ask yourself
How do beautiful sights and pleasing sounds draw my mind toward sense enjoyment?
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.