Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.76.4
Ūti· What drives us to actAusterity Joined to a Foolish Vow
“Having thus made his vow, the foolish King proceeded to worship Lord Paśupati [Śiva] as his deity by eating a handful of dust each day, and nothing more.”
What the purport teaches
- After making his vow, Śālva proceeded to worship Lord Paśupati, Śiva, as his deity.
- His austerity was severe: he ate only a handful of dust each day.
- The translation calls him foolish despite this austerity. His worship followed the destructive vow he had made.
Try this today
Review one effort you are making today and name its purpose; set aside any intention to harm someone.
Ask yourself
Am I examining the purpose of my efforts, rather than only how difficult they are?
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.