Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.22.14
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesOffering Respect Despite Being Bound
“Being bound by the ropes of Varuṇa, Bali Mahārāja could not offer befitting respect to Prahlāda Mahārāja as he had before. Rather, he simply offered respectful obeisances with his head, his eyes being inundated with tears and his face lowered in shame.”
What the purport teaches
- Bound by the ropes of Varuṇa, Bali Mahārāja could not offer Prahlāda Mahārāja the befitting respect he had offered before.
- He offered obeisances with his head, while tears filled his eyes and his face was lowered in shame.
- Having been arrested by Lord Vāmanadeva, Bali Mahārāja seriously felt himself an offender to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He was ashamed, knowing that Prahlāda Mahārāja would not like this.
Try this today
Offer a simple, respectful bow today, giving attention to the humility behind it.
Ask yourself
How can I offer sincere respect when my circumstances limit what I can do?
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.