Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.78.1-2
Ūti· What drives us to actFriendship Misguided by Rage
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Acting out of friendship for Śiśupāla, Śālva and Pauṇḍraka, who had all passed on to the next world, the wicked Dantavakra appeared on the battlefield in a great rage, O King. All alone, on foot and wielding a club in his hand, the mighty warrior shook the earth with his footsteps.”
What the purport teaches
- Dantavakra acted out of friendship for Śiśupāla, Śālva and Pauṇḍraka, who had passed on to the next world.
- The translation describes him as wicked and filled with great rage. His act of friendship brought him onto the battlefield.
- He approached alone, on foot, carrying a club. His physical strength was so great that his footsteps shook the earth.
Try this today
Before acting on an angry feeling today, pause and consider whether friendship is guiding you wisely.
Ask yourself
When does loyalty to friends lead me toward anger rather than thoughtful action?
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.