Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.10.15
Mukti· LiberationAusterity Helps Dissolve False Prestige
“A poverty-stricken man must automatically undergo austerities and penances because he does not have the wealth to possess anything. Thus his false prestige is vanquished. Always in need of food, shelter and clothing, he must be satisfied with what is obtained by the mercy of providence. Undergoing such compulsory austerities is good for him because this purifies him and completely frees him from false ego.”
What the purport teaches
- A saintly person voluntarily accepts poverty to become free from material false prestige. Great kings also left royal comforts to practice purifying austerity.
- Someone who cannot accept austerity voluntarily may undergo it through poverty. The translation describes satisfaction with what comes by the mercy of providence.
- Austerity frees one from material conditions. When pride in aristocracy, wealth, education and beauty is broken, one is better situated for liberation.
Try this today
For today, set aside one unnecessary comfort and practice being satisfied with what you already have.
Ask yourself
Which material advantage am I most tempted to use as a reason to feel superior?
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.