Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.18.44
Ūti· What drives us to actAccept Responsibility for Harmful Consequences
“Due to the termination of the monarchical regimes and the plundering of the people’s wealth by rogues and thieves, there will be great social disruptions. People will be killed and injured, and animals and women will be stolen. And for all these sins we shall be responsible.”
What the purport teaches
- The sage’s use of “we” is significant. He accepts responsibility on behalf of the brāhmaṇa community for the destruction of protective monarchical government.
- The purport criticizes leaders who capture administrative posts for personal gratification without accepting responsibility for citizens’ prosperity.
- Without good government, plundering and social disruption spread. The sage recognizes responsibility for the resulting injury, killing and theft.
Try this today
Before one decision today, write down a possible consequence for someone who depends on you.
Ask yourself
Do I consider how my decisions may affect people beyond myself?
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.