Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.24.29
Sthāna· The universe in orderMaterial Enjoyment Can Conceal Constant Anxiety
“The planetary system below Talātala is known as Mahātala. It is the abode of many-hooded snakes, descendants of Kadrū, who are always very angry. The great snakes who are prominent are Kuhaka, Takṣaka, Kāliya and Suṣeṇa. The snakes in Mahātala are always disturbed by fear of Garuḍa, the carrier of Lord Viṣṇu, but although they are full of anxiety, some of them nevertheless sport with their wives, children, friends and relatives.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahātala is the home of powerful, many-hooded snakes descended from Kadrū. They are always subject to anger.
- These snakes live with their wives and children and consider themselves happy, although they constantly fear Garuḍa, the carrier of Lord Viṣṇu.
- The purport describes this as the way of material life. Even in an abominable condition, one may think oneself happy with family, friends and relatives.
Try this today
Write down one anxiety that remains even when you are enjoying yourself, and acknowledge it without covering it with another distraction.
Ask yourself
Do my moments of enjoyment hide anxieties that I have not honestly acknowledged?
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.