Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.20.7
Ūti· What drives us to actAusterity Should Restore Spiritual Life
“The earth had been emaciated by the summer heat, but she became fully nourished again when moistened by the god of rain. Thus the earth was like a person whose body has been emaciated by austerities undergone for a material purpose, but who again becomes fully nourished when he achieves the fruit of those austerities.”
What the purport teaches
- The earth, weakened by summer heat, flourished after rainfall. This resembles someone becoming nourished after austerities bring a desired material reward.
- Austerities undertaken for material gain bring only temporary results. Their proper purpose is realizing the Supreme Lord and achieving spiritual happiness.
- By accepting austerity in devotional service, one regains spiritual life and enjoys unlimited spiritual bliss.
Try this today
Set aside one small comfort today and use that time for devotional service.
Ask yourself
Are your efforts aimed mainly at temporary rewards or at spiritual happiness through devotional service?
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.