Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.20.9
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyGiving Everything for the Supreme Lord
“O best of the brāhmaṇas, many men have laid down their lives on the battlefield, being unafraid of fighting, but rarely has one gotten the chance to give his accumulated wealth faithfully to a saintly person who creates holy places.”
What the purport teaches
- Many warriors have given their lives on the battlefield, but few have given all their accumulated wealth to a worthy recipient.
- Charity in goodness is given out of duty, at the proper time and place, to a worthy person, without expecting a return.
- Transcendental charity goes beyond goodness: everything is sacrificed for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Recognizing this rare opportunity, Bali Mahārāja decided to give Vāmanadeva whatever He wanted.
Try this today
Make one small offering for the Lord's service today without expecting recognition or repayment.
Ask yourself
When I give, am I seeking a return or seeking to serve?
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.