Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.6.8
Nirodha· Winding upFire Cannot Burn the Soul
“While He was wandering about, a wild forest fire began. This fire was caused by the friction of bamboos, which were being blown by the wind. In that fire, the entire forest near Kuṭakācala and the body of Lord Ṛṣabhadeva were burnt to ashes.”
What the purport teaches
- Wind-driven bamboos rubbed together and started a fierce forest fire near Kuṭakācala. The translation describes the forest and Lord Ṛṣabhadeva’s body as burning to ashes.
- The purport explains that Lord Ṛṣabhadeva only appeared to be burned. He is the Supersoul of all living entities, and the soul cannot be burned by fire.
- Because Lord Ṛṣabhadeva was present, all the animals in the forest were liberated from material confinement.
Try this today
Read the purport once today, pausing to reflect on the Lord’s presence liberating the forest animals.
Ask yourself
How does the soul’s freedom from burning change my understanding of this event?
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.