Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.21.32
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyDevotional Service Beyond Every Material Condition
“Because you have been unable to give charity according to your promise, the rule is that you should go down to live in the hellish planets. Therefore, in accordance with the order of Śukrācārya, your spiritual master, now go down and live there.”
What the purport teaches
- Devotees solely engaged in Nārāyaṇa’s service do not fear any condition of life. Heaven, liberation and hell are equal to them because their interest is only the Lord’s service.
- Vāmanadeva ordered Bali Mahārāja to enter the hellish planets, apparently to show the universe his tolerance. Bali Mahārāja did not hesitate to obey.
- A devotee engaged in the Lord’s service lives transcendentally, always in Vaikuṇṭha. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura therefore prays even for birth as an insignificant insect in the association of devotees.
Try this today
Spend a few minutes today with someone engaged in the Lord’s service, joining or helping with that service.
Ask yourself
How can I make service to the Lord more important than having favorable circumstances?
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.