Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.49.16
Ūti· What drives us to actAffection Must Not Become Injustice
“The ardent affection King Dhṛtarāṣṭra felt for his sons had made him act unjustly toward the Pāṇḍavas. Just before leaving, Akrūra approached the King, who was seated among his friends and supporters, and related to him the message that his relatives — Lord Kṛṣṇa and Lord Balarāma — had sent out of friendship.”
What the purport teaches
- Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s ardent affection for his sons had led him to treat the Pāṇḍavas unjustly. His attachment had become a source of partiality.
- Before leaving, Akrūra approached the King among his friends and supporters. He delivered the message entrusted to him.
- Lord Kṛṣṇa and Lord Balarāma had sent this message out of friendship. Their communication was an expression of concern for their relative.
Try this today
Review one decision involving someone you favor and check whether you are treating others justly.
Ask yourself
Is affection for someone close to me making me unfair toward others?
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.