Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.13.40
Ūti· What drives us to actUnnecessary Killing Spreads Fear
“After fixing his bow and arrow, the cruel boy used to go to the forest and unnecessarily kill innocent deer, and as soon as he came all the people would cry, “Here comes cruel Vena! Here comes cruel Vena!””
What the purport teaches
- The purport explains that kṣatriyas were permitted to hunt to learn the killing art needed for their duties. This permission was not for eating animals or killing them for other purposes.
- Vena went into the forest with bow and arrow and unnecessarily killed innocent deer. His conduct was cruel, not a proper use of that permission.
- The neighboring inhabitants were frightened by his presence and cried out when he came. From the beginning of his life, he caused fear among the citizens.
Try this today
Avoid disturbing or harming an animal you encounter today.
Ask yourself
Does my use of strength make others feel protected or afraid?
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.