Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.8.18
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionSeek the Lord’s Protection Amid Dangers
“May the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His incarnation as Dhanvantari relieve me from undesirable eatables and protect me from physical illness. May Lord Ṛṣabhadeva, who conquered His inner and outer senses, protect me from fear produced by the duality of heat and cold. May Yajña protect me from defamation and harm from the populace, and may Lord Balarāma as Śeṣa protect me from envious serpents.”
What the purport teaches
- Material life brings many dangers, including undesirable food that harms health. One should give up such food and seek the protection of Dhanvantari.
- Lord Ṛṣabhadeva is asked to protect against fear arising from heat and cold, and Yajña against harm from others. Lord Viṣṇu, the Supersoul of all living entities, can save us from disturbances caused by other beings if He wishes.
- Lord Balarāma is the Śeṣa incarnation. He can protect us from angry serpents and envious persons who are ready to attack.
Try this today
At one meal today, leave out a food you know is harmful to your health.
Ask yourself
Am I avoiding harmful food while also seeking the Lord’s protection?
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.