Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.62.25-26
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Guards Report Their Discovery
“The female guards eventually noticed unmistakable symptoms of romantic involvement in Ūṣā, who, having broken her maiden vow, was being enjoyed by the Yadu hero and showing signs of conjugal happiness. The guards went to Bāṇāsura and told him, “O King, we have detected in your daughter the kind of improper behavior that spoils the reputation of a young girl’s family.”
What the purport teaches
- The guards noticed unmistakable signs of Ūṣā’s romantic involvement and conjugal happiness. They reported to Bāṇāsura that her conduct threatened her family’s reputation.
- Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī explains bhaṭāḥ as “female guards,” while Jīva Gosvāmī explains it as “eunuchs and others.” Grammatically, both meanings are possible.
- The guards feared severe punishment if Bāṇāsura learned of Ūṣā’s activities from another source. They therefore informed him personally.
Try this today
Before sharing a concern today, pause to distinguish what you actually observed from what you fear.
Ask yourself
How might fear of punishment influence the way I report a difficult situation?
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.