Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.20.21
Ūti· What drives us to actAusterity Can Serve Material Desire
“The trees had grown thin and dry, but after they drank the newly fallen rainwater through their feet, their various bodily features blossomed. Similarly, one whose body has grown thin and weak from austerity again exhibits his healthy bodily features upon enjoying the material objects gained through that austerity.”
What the purport teaches
- Trees are called pādapa because they drink through their roots, which are likened to feet. Rain brought new leaves, sprouts and blossoms to the trees in Vṛndāvana.
- Materialistic persons often perform severe austerities to acquire what they desire. Politicians and businessmen may deny themselves comfort to achieve success.
- After gaining the fruits of their austerity, such persons again become healthy and satisfied, like trees drinking rainwater after a dry, hot summer.
Try this today
Write down one comfort you have given up and the result you hope to gain.
Ask yourself
What desired reward is motivating the hardships I willingly accept?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.