Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.3.24
Ūti· What drives us to actRespect Does Not Remove Envy’s Danger
“Therefore you should not see your father, although he is the giver of your body, because he and his followers are envious of me. Because of his envy, O most worshipful one, he has insulted me with cruel words although I am innocent.”
What the purport teaches
- The purport describes both father and husband as worshipable protectors. The father is especially honored as the giver of the body.
- Lord Śiva acknowledges that Satī’s father is worshipable, yet warns her not to visit him. Her father and his followers are envious of Lord Śiva, whom her father has insulted despite his innocence.
- Lord Śiva warns that Satī may also be insulted because of her association with him. The purport emphasizes how deeply an insult from a relative can wound.
Try this today
Before arranging a family visit today, pause to consider any clear warning of hostility rather than dismissing it because of family ties.
Ask yourself
Can I respect a relative while taking a warning about their hostility seriously?
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.