Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.23.34
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDo Not Turn Others’ Belongings Into Mockery
“Some of these persons would take away his sannyāsī rod, and some the waterpot which he was using as a begging bowl. Some took his deerskin seat, some his chanting beads, and some would steal his torn, ragged clothing. Displaying these things before him, they would pretend to offer them back but would then hide them again.”
What the purport teaches
- Some people took the brāhmaṇa’s sannyāsī rod and the waterpot he used as a begging bowl.
- Others took his deerskin seat, chanting beads and torn clothing. Even his few simple belongings were not spared.
- They displayed the stolen things and pretended to return them, only to hide them again. Their actions prolonged his humiliation.
Try this today
Leave another person’s belongings undisturbed, especially anything used in spiritual practice.
Ask yourself
Am I careful not to make someone’s belongings or spiritual practice a subject of teasing?
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.