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Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.1.66

Nirodha· Winding up

The Harm of Unnecessary Criticism

“The reason is that Satī’s father, Dakṣa, used to rebuke Lord Śiva in spite of Śiva’s faultlessness. Consequently, before attaining a mature age, Satī gave up her body by dint of yogic mystic power.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.1.66, translation

What the purport teaches

  • Lord Śiva, the head of all mystic yogīs, never even constructed a home for his residence. Dakṣa was dissatisfied that his youngest daughter, Satī, had chosen him as her husband.
  • Whenever Satī met her father, he unnecessarily criticized her husband, although Lord Śiva was faultless.
  • Because of this, Satī gave up the body received from her father by yogic mystic power before reaching a mature age. This explains why she had no child.

Try this today

Before making a critical remark today, pause and consider whether it is unfair or unnecessary.

Ask yourself

Am I allowing personal dissatisfaction to lead me into unfair criticism of someone?

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.

One of the 108 chosen lessons, close to this verseAccept Circumstances and Surrender to the LordSB 4.8.33Next · LeadTeach what you are livingTurn this chapter into a timed class plan or a short reel script.Open Lecture Studio