Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.20.15
Ūti· What drives us to actTrust the Lord Beyond Material Opulence
“Although you have no knowledge, you have become a so-called learned person, and therefore you dare be so impudent as to disobey my order. Because of disobeying me, you shall very soon be bereft of all your opulence.”
What the purport teaches
- Śukrācārya accused Bali Mahārāja of false learning, but the purport explains that he was honored by learned persons. His genuine understanding enabled him to reject his so-called spiritual master’s order.
- Bali Mahārāja had no fear of any condition of material existence. One cared for by Lord Viṣṇu need not depend on anyone else.
- Opulence given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be compared with wealth gained through fruitive activity. The former is not vanquished, while the latter may disappear at any moment.
Try this today
When a worry about possessions arises today, pause and remember Bali Mahārāja’s confidence in Lord Viṣṇu’s care.
Ask yourself
Where do I seek security: in material possessions or in Lord Viṣṇu’s care?
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.