Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.2.25
Ūti· What drives us to actHeavenly Promises Offer Temporary Sweetness
“May those who are envious of Lord Śiva, being attracted by the flowery language of the enchanting Vedic promises, and who have thus become dull, always remain attached to fruitive activities.”
What the purport teaches
- Vedic promises of elevation to higher planets offer a better standard of material life. The purport compares these promises to flowery language.
- A flower has fragrance and honey, but neither lasts forever. Likewise, the material happiness promised is not eternal.
- The curse addresses those envious of Lord Śiva who are enchanted by these promises. It condemns them to continued attachment to fruitive activities.
Try this today
Write down one material reward you desire and remind yourself that its sweetness will not last forever.
Ask yourself
What temporary reward attracts me as though it could give lasting happiness?
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.