Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.16.10
Ūti· What drives us to actProtect Those Entrusted to Your Care
“The brāhmaṇas, the cows and the defenseless creatures are My own body. Those whose faculty of judgment has been impaired by their own sin look upon these as distinct from Me. They are just like furious serpents, and they are angrily torn apart by the bills of the vulturelike messengers of Yamarāja, the superintendent of sinful persons.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord calls brāhmaṇas, cows and defenseless creatures His own body. He especially desires the welfare of brāhmaṇas and cows.
- The purport identifies cows, brāhmaṇas, women, children and old men as requiring protection. The Lord instructs that no one should be envious of them.
- Guardians must care for those who depend upon them. Neglectful guardians face serious punishment from the messengers of Yamarāja, whom the Lord appoints to supervise sinful activities.
Try this today
Check on one person entrusted to your care and meet one concrete need today.
Ask yourself
Who depends on my care, and am I taking that responsibility seriously?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.