Shloka 26
Bali Mahārāja’s Surrender, Prahlāda’s Praise, and the Lord’s Mercy
Sutala and Future Indrahood
जन्मकर्मवयोरूपविद्यैश्वर्यधनादिभि: । यद्यस्य न भवेत् स्तम्भस्तत्रायं मदनुग्रह: ॥ २६ ॥
janma-karma-vayo-rūpa- vidyaiśvarya-dhanādibhiḥ yady asya na bhavet stambhas tatrāyaṁ mad-anugrahaḥ
If a person is endowed with noble birth, fine deeds, youth, beauty, learning, and wealth, yet feels no pride in these opulences, know that this is the special mercy of the Supreme Lord, Bhagavān.
When in spite of possessing all these opulences a person is not proud, this means that he is fully aware that all his opulences are due to the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He therefore engages all his possessions in the service of the Lord. A devotee knows very well that everything, even his body, belongs to the Supreme Lord. If one lives perfectly in such Kṛṣṇa consciousness, it is to be understood that he is especially favored by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The conclusion is that one’s being deprived of his wealth is not to be considered the special mercy of the Lord. If one continues in his opulent position but does not become unnecessarily proud, falsely thinking that he is the proprietor of everything, this is the Lord’s special mercy.
FAQs
This verse says that not becoming proud of birth, youth, beauty, knowledge, power, or wealth is itself a sign of the Lord’s mercy.
In the Vāmana–Bali episode, the Lord teaches Bali that true divine favor is shown when one is protected from arrogance arising from opulence and status.
Treat achievements and advantages as responsibilities, not identity—practice gratitude and service so success does not turn into ego.