Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.17.25
Ūti· What drives us to actDemoniac Power Spreads Fear
“On his entering the ocean, the aquatic animals who formed the host of Varuṇa were stricken with fear and ran far away. Thus Hiraṇyākṣa showed his splendor without dealing a blow.”
What the purport teaches
- Materialistic demons sometimes appear very powerful and establish their supremacy throughout the world.
- Hiraṇyākṣa appeared to establish supremacy throughout the universe by his demoniac strength. The demigods feared his uncommon power.
- Even Varuṇa’s aquatic animals fled far away in fear. Hiraṇyākṣa displayed his splendor without dealing a blow.
Try this today
In one interaction today, deliberately avoid an intimidating tone or gesture.
Ask yourself
How might my behavior frighten others even when I do not physically harm them?
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.