Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.88.22
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesA Gift Can Strengthen Harm
“Upon hearing this, Lord Rudra seemed somewhat disturbed. Nonetheless, O descendant of Bharata, he vibrated om to signify his assent, granting Vṛka the benediction with an ironic smile, as if giving milk to a poisonous snake.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Rudra seemed disturbed when he heard Vṛka’s request. His assent did not mean that the request pleased him.
- He vibrated om to signify his agreement and granted the benediction with an ironic smile.
- The translation compares his gift to giving milk to a poisonous snake. A gift can nourish someone who intends harm.
Try this today
Before granting one request today, pause to consider whether it could enable harm.
Ask yourself
Before helping someone, do I consider how my help might be used?
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.