Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.18.22-23
Ūti· What drives us to actSeek Loving Service, Not Power
“Lord Brahmā said: My dear Lord, this demon has proved to be a constant pinprick to the demigods, the brāhmaṇas, the cows and innocent persons who are spotless and always dependent upon worshiping Your lotus feet. He has become a source of fear by unnecessarily harassing them. Since he has attained a boon from me, he has become a demon, always searching for a proper combatant, wandering all over the universe for this infamous purpose.”
What the purport teaches
- The purport distinguishes suras, or demigods, from asuras, or demons. Demons seek extensive power from the demigods for their sense gratification.
- Such power becomes a cause of trouble for brāhmaṇas, demigods and innocent living entities. The demon described by Brahmā constantly harassed those dependent upon worshiping the Lord’s lotus feet.
- Devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead do not ask favors for sense gratification and refuse even liberation. They are happy simply engaging in the Lord’s transcendental loving service.
Try this today
Offer one prayer today asking only for the opportunity to serve the Lord, rather than for a personal benefit.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking personal benefits from worship, or happiness in serving the Lord?
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.