Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.8.10
Ūti· What drives us to actFavoritism Gives Pride an Opening
“While the child, Dhruva Mahārāja, was trying to get on the lap of his father, Suruci, his stepmother, became very envious of the child, and with great pride she began to speak so as to be heard by the King himself.”
What the purport teaches
- The King felt affection for both Uttama and Dhruva and naturally wished to take both onto his lap. Yet his favoritism toward Suruci prevented him from welcoming Dhruva.
- Suruci understood the King’s preference for her. Envious of Dhruva and filled with pride, she spoke so that the King could hear.
- The purport shows how being specially favored can lead to taking undue advantage. Such behavior appeared even in the elevated family of Svāyambhuva Manu.
Try this today
In one interaction today, check whether favoritism is influencing you and give the overlooked person fair attention.
Ask yourself
Does attachment to someone’s approval ever keep me from treating another person fairly?
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.