Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.11.7
Ūti· What drives us to actAccept Results Under Eternal Time
“Bali Mahārāja replied: All those present on this battlefield are certainly under the influence of eternal time, and according to their prescribed activities, they are destined to receive fame, victory, defeat and death, one after another.”
What the purport teaches
- Bali Mahārāja explained that everyone on the battlefield was under eternal time. Fame, victory, defeat, and death come according to one’s activities.
- Whether victorious or defeated, no one is independent of material nature. Under time’s influence, one must accept the results of one’s own activities.
- Bali Mahārāja remained unafraid despite Indra’s threat. The purport praises the tolerance required of a kṣatriya, especially on the battlefield.
Try this today
Before one challenging task today, remind yourself that both success and failure are possible, and proceed patiently.
Ask yourself
How can recognizing that I am not fully in control help me face uncertainty?
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.