Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.8.24
Ūti· What drives us to actDesire for Money Shapes Her Attention
“O best among men, this prostitute was very anxious to get money, and as she stood on the street at night she studied all the men who were passing by, thinking, “Oh, this one surely has money. I know he can pay the price, and I am sure he would enjoy my company very much.” Thus she thought about all the men on the street.”
What the purport teaches
- Piṅgalā was very anxious to get money as she stood on the street at night.
- She studied the men passing by, imagining that each might have enough money to pay her.
- She also imagined that they would enjoy her company. Her thoughts about them were shaped by her desire for money.
Try this today
Notice one money-related expectation today and distinguish what you know from what you merely imagine.
Ask yourself
When does the hope of financial gain shape how I see other people?
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.