Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.28.26
Ūti· What drives us to actRespect Every Living Entity's Life
“That most unkind king, Purañjana, had killed many animals in various sacrifices. Now, taking advantage of this opportunity, all these animals began to pierce him with their horns. It was as though he were being cut to pieces by axes.”
What the purport teaches
- The animals Purañjana had killed in sacrifices now pierced him with their horns. The purport warns that killing animals brings corresponding suffering after death.
- Although the living entity is not actually killed, the pain inflicted and the later reactions are real. Calling animal-killing religious does not remove its consequences.
- Everyone should be given freedom to live under the care of the supreme father. The Supreme Personality of Godhead condemns animal-killing for religion or food.
Try this today
Choose a meal today that does not require killing animals.
Ask yourself
How can my choices better respect other living entities' freedom to live?
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.