Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.22.29-30
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyThe Lord Gives Strength to Endure
“Although bereft of his riches, fallen from his original position, defeated and arrested by his enemies, rebuked and deserted by his relatives and friends, although suffering the pain of being bound and although rebuked and cursed by his spiritual master, Bali Mahārāja, being fixed in his vow, did not give up his truthfulness. It was certainly with pretension that I spoke about religious principles, but he did not give up religious principles, for he is true to his word.”
What the purport teaches
- Bali Mahārāja lost his wealth and position, was bound by enemies and was deserted by relatives and friends. Even when rebuked and cursed by his spiritual master, he remained truthful and fixed in his vow.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead subjected him to an almost unbearable test. The Lord also gave him the strength to tolerate it and remain a glorious devotee.
- The Lord appreciates His devotee’s forbearance. Bali Mahārāja’s endurance was recorded for his future glorification and showed the Lord’s mercy.
Try this today
Keep one truthful commitment today, asking the Lord for the patience needed to fulfill it.
Ask yourself
How can I remain truthful while depending on the Lord for strength?
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.