Text 3] | The Lord Begs Charity from Bali Maharaja 55
TRANSLATION

The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: O King, you are in-
deed exalted because your present advisors are the brahmanas who
are descendants of Bhrgu and because your instructor for your
future life is your grandfather, the peaceful and venerable
Prahlada Maharaja. Your statements are very true, and they com-
pletely agree with religious etiquette. They are in keeping with the
behavior of your family, and they enhance your reputation.

PURPORT

Prahlada Maharaja is a vivid example of a pure devotee. Someone
might argue that since Prahlada Maharaja, even though very old, was at-
tached to his family, and specifically to his grandson Bali Maharaja, how
could he be an ideal example? Therefore this verse uses the word
prasantah. A devotee is always sober. He is never disturbed by any con-
ditions. Even if a devotee remains in grhastha life and does not renounce
material possessions, he should still be understood to be prasdnta, sober,
because of his pure devotion to the Lord. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
therefore said:

kiba vipra, kibé nyasi, Sidra kene naya

yet krsna-tattva-vettd, sei ‘guru’ haya
“Whether one is a brahmana, a sannyasi or a stidra—regardless of what
he is—he can become a spiritual master if he knows the science of
Krsna.” (Cc. Madhya 8.128) Anyone completely aware of the science of
Krsna, regardless of his status in life, is a guru. Thus Prahlada Maharaja
is a guru in all circumstances.

Here His Lordship Vamanadeva also teaches sannydsis and
brahmacaris that one should not ask more than necessary. He wanted
only three paces of land, although Bali Maharaja wanted to give Him
anything He wanted.

TEXT 3
a Rafaae BataaeT: HIT: TA |
AMEN A Tage a TATA ATTY 1 3 1
