Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.9.1
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLong Austerity Does Not Guarantee Success
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: King Aṁśumān, like his grandfather, performed austerities for a very long time. Nonetheless, he could not bring the Ganges to this material world, and thereafter, in due course of time, he died.”
What the purport teaches
- King Aṁśumān performed austerities for a very long time, following his grandfather's example.
- Despite his austerities, he could not bring the Ganges to this material world.
- In due course of time, he died with this work unfinished.
Try this today
Spend a few quiet moments acknowledging one unfinished effort without pretending its result is under your control.
Ask yourself
How do I respond when sincere effort does not bring the result I hoped for?
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.