Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.24.18
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionOffer Everything for the Lord's Service
“Below the planet Vitala is another planet, known as Sutala, where the great son of Mahārāja Virocana, Bali Mahārāja, who is celebrated as the most pious king, resides even now. For the welfare of Indra, the King of heaven, Lord Viṣṇu appeared in the form of a dwarf brahmacārī as the son of Aditi and tricked Bali Mahārāja by begging for only three paces of land but taking all the three worlds. Being very pleased with Bali Mahārāja for giving all his possessions, the Lord returned his kingdom and made him richer than the opulent King Indra. Even now, Bali Mahārāja engages in devotional service by worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the planet of Sutala.”
What the purport teaches
- Bali Mahārāja offered the Lord everything: his wealth, his kingdom, and even his own body. He became a successful devotee and received everything back with the Lord's blessings.
- Bali Mahārāja continues worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Sutala. His example supports the purport's assurance that those who contribute to expanding Kṛṣṇa consciousness will not be losers.
- Contributions collected for Kṛṣṇa consciousness must be used only for the Lord's transcendental loving service. Those handling these funds must be careful not to divert even a farthing.
Try this today
Set aside one small contribution for Kṛṣṇa's service, with a clear devotional purpose.
Ask yourself
How carefully do I use resources intended for the Lord's service?
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.