Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.21.23
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesProvidence Is Stronger Than Personal Power
“Previously, being empowered by providence, you defeated a great number of such followers of Lord Viṣṇu. But today those same followers, having defeated us, are roaring in jubilation like lions.”
What the purport teaches
- Bhagavad-gītā mentions five causes of defeat or victory. Of these, daiva, or providence, is the most powerful.
- Bali Mahārāja knew that his earlier victories came because providence favored him. Now the followers of Lord Viṣṇu had defeated his side and were roaring like lions in jubilation.
- Since providence was no longer in his favor, Bali Mahārāja understood that victory was impossible. He therefore very intelligently forbade his associates to fight.
Try this today
Recall one past success today and acknowledge that your own strength alone did not account for it.
Ask yourself
Can I recognize the role of providence instead of claiming success entirely as my own?
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.