Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.7.37
Mukti· LiberationLearn Steady Tolerance from the Earth
“A sober person, even when harassed by other living beings, should understand that his aggressors are acting helplessly under the control of God, and thus he should never be distracted from progress on his own path. This rule I have learned from the earth.”
What the purport teaches
- The earth is a symbol of tolerance. Despite drilling, pollution, destruction of forests and warfare, she continues to provide the necessities of living beings.
- A sober person understands that those who harass him are acting helplessly under the control of God.
- Even when disturbed by others, one should not be distracted from progress on one's own path. Studying the earth teaches this steady tolerance.
Try this today
When a small irritation arises today, pause before responding and calmly continue your spiritual practice.
Ask yourself
What disturbance most easily distracts me from my spiritual progress?
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.