TEXT 2
sri-balir uvaca
satyam bhagavata proktam
dharmo yam grhamedhinam
artham kamam yaso vrttim
yo na badheta karhicit
SYNONYMS
sri-balih uvacaBali Maharaja said; satyamit is truth; bhagavataby Your Greatness; proktamwhat has already been spoken; dharmaha religious principle; ayamthat is; grhamedhinamespecially for the householders; arthameconomic development; kamamsense gratification; yasah vrttimreputation and means of livelihood; yahwhich religious principle; nanot; badhetahinders; karhicitat any time.
TRANSLATION
Bali Maharaja said: As you have already stated, the principle of religion that does not hinder ones economic development, sense gratification, fame and means of livelihood is the real occupational duty of the householder. I also think that this religious principle is correct.
PURPORT
Bali Maharajas grave answer to Sukracarya is meaningful. Sukracarya stressed that ones material means of livelihood and ones material reputation, sense gratification and economic development must continue properly. To see to this is the first duty of a man who is a householder, especially one who is interested in material affairs. If a religious principle does not affect ones material condition, it is to be accepted. At the present time, in this age of Kali, this idea is extremely prominent. No one is prepared to accept any religious principle if it hampers material prosperity. Sukracarya, being a person of this material world, did not know the principles of a devotee. A devotee is determined to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead to His full satisfaction. Anything that hampers such determination should certainly be rejected. This is the principle of bhakti. Anukulyasya sankalpah pratikulyasya varjanam (Cc. Madhya 22.100). To perform devotional service, one must accept only that which is favorable and reject that which is unfavorable. Bali Maharaja had the opportunity to contribute everything he possessed to the lotus feet of Lord Vamanadeva, but Sukracarya was putting forward a material argument to hamper this process of devotional service. Under the circumstances, Bali Maharaja decided that such hindrances should certainly be avoided. In other words, he decided immediately to reject the advice of Sukracarya and go on with his duty. Thus he gave all his possessions to Lord Vamanadeva.

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