Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.24.28
Sthāna· The universe in orderProtection Does Not Justify False Confidence
“Beneath the planet known as Sutala is another planet, called Talātala, which is ruled by the Dānava demon named Maya. Maya is known as the ācārya [master] of all the māyāvīs, who can invoke the powers of sorcery. For the benefit of the three worlds, Lord Śiva, who is known as Tripurāri, once set fire to the three kingdoms of Maya, but later, being pleased with him, he returned his kingdom. Since that time, Maya Dānava has been protected by Lord Śiva, and therefore he falsely thinks that he need not fear the Sudarśana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”
What the purport teaches
- Talātala lies beneath Sutala and is ruled by Maya, a Dānava demon. He is the master of those who invoke the powers of sorcery.
- For the benefit of the three worlds, Lord Śiva burned Maya’s three kingdoms. Later, pleased with him, Lord Śiva restored his kingdom and protected him.
- Because of Lord Śiva’s protection, Maya falsely thinks he need not fear the Sudarśana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Notice one source of personal security today and reflect that it does not place you beyond the Supreme Lord’s authority.
Ask yourself
Do I ever let a position of protection or security give me false confidence?
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.