Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.6.9
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesOutward Affection Can Conceal Cruel Intent
“Pūtanā Rākṣasī’s heart was fierce and cruel, but she looked like a very affectionate mother. Thus she resembled a sharp sword in a soft sheath. Although seeing her within the room, Yaśodā and Rohiṇī, overwhelmed by her beauty, did not stop her, but remained silent because she treated the child like a mother.”
What the purport teaches
- Pūtanā’s heart was cruel, though she appeared to be an affectionate mother. She resembled a sharp sword inside a soft sheath.
- Those captivated by external beauty may fail to understand another person’s intentions. The purport calls those deluded by the external energy māyā-mohita.
- Yaśodā and Rohiṇī were not deluded by the external energy. They were captivated by Yoga-māyā to develop the Lord’s pastimes.
Try this today
Write one sentence explaining why Yaśodā and Rohiṇī remained silent.
Ask yourself
Why is it important to distinguish the mothers’ Yoga-māyā from ordinary delusion by external beauty?
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.