Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.18
Ūti· What drives us to actLook Beyond Blame Toward the Lord
“O greatest among human beings, it is very difficult to ascertain the particular miscreant who has caused our sufferings, because we are bewildered by all the different opinions of theoretical philosophers.”
What the purport teaches
- Theoretical philosophers offer differing explanations for suffering. Such speculation cannot establish the Supreme Lord as the ultimate cause of all causes.
- The bull and cow knew that Kali directly caused their suffering, yet also understood that nothing could happen without the Lord’s sanction. As devotees, they declined to accuse the direct offender.
- The purport explains that past sins bear fruit as trouble, but pure devotional service gradually removes even these seeds. Devotees tolerate suffering, regarding it as a smaller measure than they might otherwise have received.
Try this today
When a frustration arises today, pause before blaming someone and spend a moment remembering the Lord.
Ask yourself
When distressed, can I turn toward devotional service instead of remaining absorbed in blame?
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.