Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.89.6-7
Ūti· What drives us to actGentle Words Can Awaken Goodness
“But Bhṛgu refused his embrace, telling him, “You are a deviant heretic.” At this Lord Śiva became angry, and his eyes burned ferociously. He raised his trident and was about to kill Bhṛgu when Goddess Devī fell at his feet and spoke some words to pacify him. Bhṛgu then left that place and went to Vaikuṇṭha, where Lord Janārdana resides.”
What the purport teaches
- Offenses can be committed with the mind, speech or body. Bhṛgu’s offense toward Lord Brahmā was mental, while his insult to Lord Śiva was an offense by speech.
- Because ignorance is prominent in Lord Śiva, the insult provoked fierce anger. Pārvatī saved the situation by evoking his quality of goodness.
- Bhṛgu then went to Vaikuṇṭha, where Lord Janārdana resides. Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī identifies this Vaikuṇṭha planet as Śvetadvīpa.
Try this today
Replace one sharp remark today with gentle, calming words.
Ask yourself
Can my words help bring out goodness rather than increase anger?
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.