Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.20.4
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyTruthfulness Lightens the Earth's Burden
“There is nothing more sinful than untruthfulness. Because of this, mother earth once said, “I can bear any heavy thing except a person who is a liar.””
What the purport teaches
- Bali Mahārāja declares that nothing is more sinful than untruthfulness.
- Mother earth can carry heavy mountains and oceans, yet she feels overburdened by even one liar.
- In Kali-yuga, lying is common even in ordinary dealings. Speaking lies brings sinful reactions and burdens the earth and the entire universe.
Try this today
In one conversation today, take care to speak accurately without exaggerating or hiding the truth.
Ask yourself
In which ordinary dealings am I tempted to bend the truth?
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.