Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.15.43
Mukti· LiberationFreedom From External Affairs Brings Fearlessness
“After that, Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira dressed himself in torn clothing, gave up eating all solid foods, voluntarily became dumb and let his hair hang loose. All this combined to make him look like an urchin or madman with no occupation. He did not depend on his brothers for anything. And, just like a deaf man, he heard nothing.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira became free from external affairs, imperial life and family prestige.
- He accepted torn clothing and stopped speaking about material affairs. His outward appearance no longer reflected his former royal position.
- He no longer depended on the brothers who had always helped him. The purport calls this complete independence from everything the purified stage of fearlessness.
Try this today
Today, let one opportunity to speak about your status or achievements pass without taking it.
Ask yourself
How much does concern for prestige influence my daily choices?
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.