Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.22.28
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRemain Steady in Devotion Through Adversity
“Bali Mahārāja has become the most famous among the demons and nonbelievers, for in spite of being bereft of all material opulences, he is fixed in his devotional service.”
What the purport teaches
- Bali Mahārāja became famous among the demons and nonbelievers because he remained fixed in devotional service after losing all material opulences.
- A devotee may encounter adversity while serving the Lord. Such difficulties can bring lamentation and grief.
- By the grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a devotee can understand even severe adversity as an examination. Bali Mahārāja passed these tests without becoming bewildered.
Try this today
Continue one small act of devotional service today despite a difficulty, asking the Lord for grace.
Ask yourself
When difficulties arise, what helps me remain steady in devotional service?
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.