Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.5.30
Ūti· What drives us to actUnderstanding Destiny Lessens Bewilderment
“Every man is certainly controlled by destiny, which determines the results of one’s fruitive activities. In other words, one has a son or daughter because of unseen destiny, and when the son or daughter is no longer present, this also is due to unseen destiny. Destiny is the ultimate controller of everyone. One who knows this is never bewildered.”
What the purport teaches
- Unseen destiny determines the results of one’s fruitive activities. Both having a child and losing that child are described here in relation to destiny.
- Nanda Mahārāja consoled Vasudeva by explaining that destiny was ultimately responsible for what had happened to his children.
- One who understands this control of destiny is not bewildered. Nanda Mahārāja offered this understanding to ease Vasudeva’s unhappiness.
Try this today
When one disappointment arises today, pause and remember that you do not control every outcome.
Ask yourself
Could remembering that outcomes are not fully under my control help me face an unexpected change?
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.