Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.3.9
Ūti· What drives us to actDevotional Absorption Beyond Material Enjoyment
“I think that all my sisters must have gone to this great sacrificial ceremony with their husbands just to see their relatives. I also desire to decorate myself with the ornaments given to me by my father and go there with you to participate in that assembly.”
What the purport teaches
- Satī wanted to meet her sisters and relatives with Lord Śiva. She wished to wear the ornaments her father had given her.
- The purport explains that attraction between man and woman can expand material demands involving home, wealth, children and friendship. Instead of decreasing those demands, one can become entangled in material enjoyment.
- Lord Śiva was not attracted by material enjoyment or social display. He was always in ecstasy with thoughts of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Set aside one unnecessary purchase or decoration today and spend a few quiet moments thinking of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Ask yourself
Are my desires increasing my material demands or leaving room for thoughts of the Supreme Personality of Godhead?
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.