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Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.88.21

Ūti· What drives us to act

A Harmful Desire Brings Fear

“[Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued:] The benediction sinful Vṛka chose from the lord would terrify all living beings. Vṛka said, “May death come to whomever I touch upon the head with my hand.””

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.88.21, translation

What the purport teaches

  • The sinful Vṛka chose a benediction that would terrify all living beings.
  • He asked that anyone whose head he touched with his hand should die.
  • His request sought power to bring death to others. The verse emphasizes the fear such a boon would cause.

Try this today

Examine one wish you have today and ask whether its fulfillment could harm or frighten anyone.

Ask yourself

Do the things I ask for consider the well-being of others?

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.

One of the 108 chosen lessons, close to this verseUse Your Resources for Others' WelfareSB 10.22.35Next · LeadTeach what you are livingTurn this chapter into a timed class plan or a short reel script.Open Lecture Studio