Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.7.40
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionBenevolence Pleases the Supreme Lord
“My dear gentle wife Bhavānī, when one performs benevolent activities for others, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, is very pleased. And when the Lord is pleased, I am also pleased, along with all other living creatures. Therefore, let me drink this poison, for all the living entities may thus become happy because of me.”
What the purport teaches
- Benevolent activities for others please Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Lord Śiva places the Lord’s pleasure at the center of his decision.
- When Hari is pleased, Lord Śiva and all other living creatures are also pleased.
- Lord Śiva therefore resolves to drink the poison so that the living entities may become happy. His concern for their welfare is joined with his desire to please Hari.
Try this today
Perform one small act of kindness today, consciously offering it for Hari’s pleasure.
Ask yourself
How can my care for others become an offering for Hari’s pleasure?
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.