Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.2.10
Ūti· What drives us to actAccusations Can Also Reveal Śiva’s Glories
“Śiva has spoiled the name and fame of the governors of the universe and has polluted the path of gentle manners. Because he is shameless, he does not know how to act.”
What the purport teaches
- Dakṣa wanted the sages to believe that Lord Śiva’s behavior had ruined the reputation of the demigods. The purport explains that his accusations can also carry favorable meanings.
- The word yaśo-ghna can suggest that Lord Śiva’s fame is so great that it eclipses all other fame.
- The word nirapatrapa can describe one who shelters those with no other shelter. Lord Śiva is kind to everyone and quickly satisfied, so he is called Āśutoṣa; he shelters those who cannot approach other demigods or Viṣṇu.
Try this today
Offer one small act of kindness today to someone who is easily overlooked.
Ask yourself
Can I look beyond an accusation to recognize someone’s kindness and good qualities?
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.