Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.20.6
Mukti· LiberationUse Temporary Wealth to Please the Lord
“My lord, you can also see that all the material opulences of this world are certainly separated from their possessor at death. Therefore, if the brāhmaṇa Vāmanadeva is not satisfied by whatever gifts one has given, why not please Him with the riches one is destined to lose at death?”
What the purport teaches
- All material riches are separated from their possessor at death. Bali Mahārāja asks why those riches should not be used to please Vāmanadeva.
- As a pure devotee, Bali Mahārāja had already decided to give all the land to Lord Viṣṇu.
- He did not state his decision openly because it would hurt Śukrācārya and the asuras. His carefully chosen words concealed his firm devotional resolve.
Try this today
Set aside one small resource you possess for the Lord's service today.
Ask yourself
How could I use something temporary in my possession to please the Lord?
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.