Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.11.18
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesBe Enthusiastic in Charity
“Mother Yaśodā further told Kṛṣṇa: My dear son, because of playing all day, Your body has become covered with dust and sand. Therefore, come back, take Your bath and cleanse Yourself. Today the moon is conjoined with the auspicious star of Your birth. Therefore, be pure and give cows in charity to the brāhmaṇas.”
What the purport teaches
- Yaśodā called Kṛṣṇa to bathe because His body was covered with dust and sand. On this auspicious day of His birth star, she asked Him to give cows to the brāhmaṇas.
- Giving valuable cows to brāhmaṇas at auspicious ceremonies is a Vedic custom. Yaśodā wanted Kṛṣṇa to turn His enthusiasm from play toward charity.
- Sacrifice, charity and austerity should never be given up, even by those advanced in spiritual life. A birthday should be observed with one or more of these duties.
Try this today
Set aside a small amount today for charity.
Ask yourself
How could I make my next birthday an occasion for charity rather than only enjoyment?
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.