Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.30.45
Ūti· What drives us to actBecome the Ruler of Your Senses
“My dear King, at the time of devastation, Lord Śiva emits fire and air from his mouth out of anger. To make the surface of the earth completely treeless, the Pracetās also emitted fire and air from their mouths.”
What the purport teaches
- In anger, the Pracetās emitted fire and air from their mouths to make the earth treeless. The translation compares this to Lord Śiva’s action at devastation.
- The purport explains that a dhīra never becomes angry because he is always situated in devotional service. Advanced devotees can control their senses.
- Just as a king governs citizens, a person who controls the senses is their king. Such a person is called a svāmī or gosvāmī.
Try this today
When irritation arises today, pause before speaking and choose words consistent with devotional service.
Ask yourself
In what situation do I most need to govern my senses rather than follow anger?
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.