Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.21.3-5
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesGenerosity and Steadiness Amid Great Hardship
“Rantideva never endeavored to earn anything. He would enjoy whatever he got by the arrangement of providence, but when guests came he would give them everything. Thus he underwent considerable suffering, along with the members of his family. Indeed, he and his family members shivered for want of food and water, yet Rantideva always remained sober. Once, after fasting for forty-eight days, in the morning Rantideva received some water and some foodstuffs made with milk and ghee, but when he and his family were about to eat, a brāhmaṇa guest arrived.”
What the purport teaches
- Rantideva never endeavored to earn anything. He accepted whatever came by the arrangement of providence and gave everything to visiting guests.
- He and his family suffered greatly for want of food and water. Yet Rantideva always remained sober.
- After forty-eight days of fasting, he received water and food prepared with milk and ghee. Just as the family was about to eat, a brāhmaṇa guest arrived.
Try this today
Share a small portion of food with someone today, within your means.
Ask yourself
How can I remain steady and considerate when my own circumstances are difficult?
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.