Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 12.3.3-4
Ūti· What drives us to actGreat Ambitions Can Hide Approaching Death
“Kings and politicians imagine: ‘First I will conquer my senses and mind; then I will subdue my chief ministers and rid myself of the thorn-pricks of my advisors, citizens, friends and relatives, as well as the keepers of my elephants. In this way I will gradually conquer the entire earth.’ Because the hearts of these leaders are bound by great expectations, they fail to see death waiting nearby.
What the purport teaches
- To satisfy their greed for power, leaders undergo severe austerities and sacrifice, with much self-discipline.
- They then lead their nations in struggles to control the sea, land, air and space.
- Bound by great expectations, they fail to see death nearby. Leaders and followers persist in struggling for temporary glory although they will soon be dead.
Try this today
Review one ambitious goal today and write down whether it mainly seeks temporary glory.
Ask yourself
Does my self-discipline serve a worthwhile purpose, or merely a desire for power?
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.