Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.19.35
Ūti· What drives us to actEnd Competition That Encourages Irreligion
“Lord Brahmā continued: Stop the performance of these sacrifices, for they have induced Indra to introduce so many irreligious aspects. You should know very well that even amongst the demigods there are many unwanted desires.”
What the purport teaches
- The desire to enjoy material pleasures produces competition and envy. This can appear in both ordinary business and the performance of sacrifices.
- Even among the demigods there are unwanted desires. Indra’s rivalry had led him to introduce irreligious practices.
- Lord Brahmā asked Pṛthu, a great devotee and incarnation of God, to stop the sacrifices. Ending the competition would prevent Indra from introducing further irreligious systems.
Try this today
In one activity today, set aside comparison with others and concentrate on doing your own service sincerely.
Ask yourself
Is a desire to surpass someone else influencing my religious activities?
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.