Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.8.25-26
Ūti· What drives us to actVain Hope Steals Rest
“As the prostitute Piṅgalā stood in the doorway, many men came and went, walking by her house. Her only means of sustenance was prostitution, and therefore she anxiously thought, “Maybe this one who is coming now is very rich… Oh, he is not stopping, but I am sure someone else will come. Surely this man who is coming now will want to pay me for my love, and he will probably give lots of money.” Thus, with vain hope, she remained leaning against the doorway, unable to finish her business and go to sleep. Out of anxiety she would sometimes walk out toward the street, and sometimes she went back into her house. In this way, the midnight hour gradually arrived.”
What the purport teaches
- Many men passed Piṅgalā’s house without stopping. Since prostitution was her only means of sustenance, she anxiously hoped for a wealthy customer.
- Each disappointment gave way to another expectation that someone would come and give her much money.
- Her vain hope kept her from sleeping. Restlessly moving between the street and her house, she waited until midnight.
Try this today
Before resting today, identify one anxious expectation and stop checking for its fulfillment.
Ask yourself
What repeated expectation is keeping me restless or disturbing my rest?
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.