CHAPTER TWENTY
Bali Maharaja
Surrenders the Universe
The summary of this Twentieth Chapter is as follows. Despite his
knowledge that Lord Vamanadeva was cheating him, Bali Maharaja gave
everything to the Lord in charity, and thus the Lord extended His body
and assumed a gigantic form as Lord Visnu.

After hearing the instructive advice of Sukracarya, Bali Maharaja
became contemplative. Because it is the duty of a householder to main-
tain the principles of religion, economic development and sense gratifica-
tion, Bali Maharaja thought it improper to withdraw his promise to the
brahmacari. To lie or fail to honor a promise given to a brahmacari is
never proper, for lying is the most sinful activity. Everyone should be
afraid of the sinful reactions to lying, for mother earth cannot even bear
the weight of a sinful liar. The spreading of a kingdom or empire is tem-
porary; if there is no benefit for the general public, such expansion has
no value. Previously, all the great kings and emperors expanded their
kingdoms with a regard for the welfare of the people in general. Indeed,
while engaged in such activities for the benefit of the general public,
eminent men sometimes even sacrificed their lives. It is said that one who
is glorious in his activities is always living and never dies. Therefore,
fame should be the aim of life, and even if one becomes poverty-stricken
for the sake of a good reputation, that is not a loss. Bali Maharaja thought
that even if this brahmacari, Vamanadeva, were Lord Visnu, if the Lord
accepted his charity and then again arrested him, Bali Maharaja would
not envy Him. Considering all these points, Bali Maharaja finally gave in
charity everything he possessed.

Lord Vamanadeva then immediately extended Himself into a univer-
sal body. By the mercy of Lord Vamanadeva, Bali Maharaja could see
that the Lord is all-pervading and that everything rests in His body. Bali
Maharaja could see Lord Vamanadeva as the supreme Visnu, wearing a
helmet, yellow garments, the mark of Srivatsa, the Kaustubha jewel, a

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