Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.17.19
Ūti· What drives us to actMaterial Power Cannot Make Life Eternal
“The elder child, Hiraṇyakaśipu, was unafraid of death from anyone within the three worlds because he received a benediction from Lord Brahmā. He was proud and puffed up due to this benediction and was able to bring all three planetary systems under his control.”
What the purport teaches
- Hiraṇyakaśipu became proud of Brahmā’s benediction and brought the three planetary systems under his control. Yet even Brahmā cannot grant actual immortality.
- The Lord intended to appear Himself to kill Hiraṇyakaśipu. Even such a powerful person could not live beyond his destined duration of life.
- Material advancement cannot remove birth, death, old age and disease. Neither life nor conquered possessions can be kept forever.
Try this today
Choose one possession you feel proud of and quietly remind yourself that you cannot keep it forever.
Ask yourself
Am I expecting lasting security from power, knowledge or possessions?
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.