Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.4.36
Ūti· What drives us to actMinisters Dismiss Those They Oppose
“The demigods boast uselessly while away from the battlefield. Only where there is no fighting can they show their prowess. Therefore, from such demigods we have nothing to fear. As for Lord Viṣṇu, He is in seclusion in the core of the hearts of the yogīs. As for Lord Śiva, he has gone to the forest. And as for Lord Brahmā, he is always engaged in austerities and meditation. The other demigods, headed by Indra, are devoid of prowess. Therefore you have nothing to fear.”
What the purport teaches
- Kaṁsa’s ministers claimed that the demigods boasted only away from the battlefield and had fled in fear of him.
- They portrayed Lord Viṣṇu’s presence in the hearts of yogīs, Lord Śiva’s forest dwelling, and Lord Brahmā’s austerities as reasons not to fear them.
- Their conclusion was that Kaṁsa should be free from fear and prepare to fight. These are the ministers’ claims, not a judgment that Lord Viṣṇu is powerless.
Try this today
Examine one piece of reassuring advice today: does it encourage careful judgment or simply dismiss others?
Ask yourself
Am I too ready to accept advice that flatters my strength and dismisses others?
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.