Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.19.33
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSeek the Lord's Satisfaction, Not Personal Gain
“You have promised to give Him three steps of land in charity, but when you give it He will occupy the three worlds. You are a rascal! You do not know what a great mistake you have made. After giving everything to Lord Viṣṇu, you will have no means of livelihood. How then shall you live?”
What the purport teaches
- Śukrācārya understood that Hari's request for three steps of land would take all of Bali Mahārāja's possessions.
- Śukrācārya's family depended on Bali Mahārāja's support. His warning therefore reflected concern for his own material gain as well as the King's livelihood.
- The purport contrasts a smārta-brāhmaṇa interested in material profit with a Vaiṣṇava interested only in satisfying the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Do one small act of service today without seeking payment, praise or personal benefit.
Ask yourself
When I offer advice, am I seeking the Lord's satisfaction or protecting my own advantage?
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.