Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.64.21
Ūti· What drives us to actCompensation May Not Resolve a Dispute
“The present owner of the cow said, “I don’t want anything in exchange for this cow, O King,” and went away. The other brāhmaṇa declared, “I don’t want even ten thousand more cows [than you are offering],” and he too went away.”
What the purport teaches
- The present owner refused anything in exchange for the cow and went away.
- The other brāhmaṇa refused even ten thousand cows beyond the King’s offer and also left.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that both brāhmaṇas left in anger. Each thought that his lawful possession had been usurped.
Try this today
When making amends today, ask what remains unresolved rather than assuming your offer is enough.
Ask yourself
Do I assume that my offer of compensation must satisfy someone who feels wronged?
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.