Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.1.61
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesTrust Requires Character and Self-Control
“Vasudeva agreed and took his child back home, but because Kaṁsa had no character and no self-control, Vasudeva knew that he could not rely on Kaṁsa’s word.”
What the purport teaches
- Vasudeva accepted Kaṁsa’s permission and took his child home.
- Yet Vasudeva knew that Kaṁsa had neither character nor self-control.
- Vasudeva therefore did not rely on Kaṁsa’s word, even while accepting the opportunity to take his child back.
Try this today
Before relying on one promise today, consider whether the person’s past conduct supports it.
Ask yourself
Do I consider a person’s character and self-control when deciding whether to trust a promise?
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.