Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.31.30
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesCare for Relatives Without Material Desire
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: Vidura thus offered obeisances unto the great sage Maitreya and, taking his permission, started for the city of Hastināpura to see his own kinsmen, although he had no material desires.”
What the purport teaches
- Vidura offered obeisances to Maitreya and took his permission before leaving for Hastināpura to see his relatives.
- A saintly person visits relatives not for material satisfaction, but to offer instructions for their benefit.
- Vidura wanted to see his elder brother, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, to help deliver him from the clutches of māyā. His concern was spiritual, without material desire.
Try this today
Before speaking with a relative today, pause and consider how to support their spiritual well-being without seeking personal gain.
Ask yourself
When I approach my relatives, am I seeking something for myself or considering their spiritual benefit?
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.