Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 12.2.7
Ūti· What drives us to actStrength Becomes the Basis of Political Power
“As the earth thus becomes crowded with a corrupt population, whoever among any of the social classes shows himself to be the strongest will gain political power.”
What the purport teaches
- The verse describes the earth becoming crowded with a corrupt population. Political life reflects this widespread corruption.
- Whoever proves strongest gains political power. Strength becomes the deciding factor in who rules.
- Such a ruler may come from any social class. The verse names strength, rather than class membership, as the basis of political ascendancy.
Try this today
When considering a leader today, pause and distinguish their strength from their freedom from corruption.
Ask yourself
Do I mistake someone’s ability to gain power for evidence that they deserve to lead?
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.