Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.1.13-15
Ūti· What drives us to actGenuine Humility Supports True Devotional Service
“To that holy place, the young boys of the Yadu dynasty had brought Sāmba, son of Jāmbavatī, dressed in woman’s garb. Playfully approaching the great sages gathered there, the boys grabbed hold of the sages’ feet and impudently asked them with feigned humility, “O learned brāhmaṇas, this black-eyed pregnant woman has something to ask you. She is too embarrassed to inquire for herself. She is just about to give birth and is very desirous of having a son. Since all of you are great sages with infallible vision, please tell us whether her child will be a boy or a girl.””
What the purport teaches
- The boys approached the sages with seemingly humble behavior, but their purpose was ridicule. Mocking these Vaiṣṇavas was a serious offense and a deviation from Kṛṣṇa’s path.
- Real devotional service follows the rules of revealed scripture. Artificial displays of spiritual perfection mislead people rather than establish genuine love of Godhead.
- The Yadu boys were ultimately Kṛṣṇa’s associates, acting under His arrangement for an instructive pastime. Their apparent misconduct teaches the need to respect devotees and follow the correct path of devotional service.
Try this today
Ask one sincere question about devotional service today, with the intention to learn rather than impress or test someone.
Ask yourself
Is my outward respect for devotees supported by a sincere desire to learn and serve?
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.