Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.13.1
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognize Commitments Already Made
“Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: After beginning sacrifices, Mahārāja Nimi, the son of Ikṣvāku, requested the great sage Vasiṣṭha to take the post of chief priest. At that time, Vasiṣṭha replied, “My dear Mahārāja Nimi, I have already accepted the same post in a sacrifice begun by Lord Indra.””
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Nimi, the son of Ikṣvāku, began sacrifices and requested Vasiṣṭha to serve as chief priest.
- Vasiṣṭha had already accepted the same post in a sacrifice begun by Lord Indra.
- Vasiṣṭha told Mahārāja Nimi about his earlier commitment rather than immediately accepting the request.
Try this today
Before accepting a new responsibility today, check what you have already promised to do.
Ask yourself
How can I be clear about existing commitments when someone asks for my help?
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.