Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.64.37-38
Ūti· What drives us to actTaking Property Brings Suffering to Families
“For as many years as there are particles of dust touched by the tears of generous brāhmaṇas who have dependent families and whose property is stolen, uncontrolled kings who usurp a brāhmaṇa’s property are cooked, along with their royal families, in the hell known as Kumbhīpāka.”
What the purport teaches
- The verse describes generous brāhmaṇas whose families depend on them. When their property is stolen, they are left in tears.
- Uncontrolled kings who seize this property suffer along with their royal families in the hell called Kumbhīpāka.
- Their punishment lasts as many years as there are particles of dust touched by the brāhmaṇas’ tears. This presents a grave warning against causing such suffering.
Try this today
Before using another person’s property today, consider who depends on it and make sure your use is permitted.
Ask yourself
Do I consider the dependent families affected when someone’s property is taken?
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.