Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.18.19
Ūti· What drives us to actKṛṣṇa Alone Is the Independent Protector
“My dear Lord, You are certainly the fully independent master of all the senses. Therefore all women who worship You by strictly observing vows because they wish to acquire a husband to satisfy their senses are surely under illusion. They do not know that such a husband cannot actually give protection to them or their children. Nor can he protect their wealth or duration of life, for he himself is dependent on time, fruitive results and the modes of nature, which are all subordinate to You.”
What the purport teaches
- Lakṣmīdevī shows compassion toward women who worship the Lord to obtain a husband for sense satisfaction. A material husband cannot guarantee protection for their children, wealth or duration of life.
- A husband is himself dependent on karma, time and the modes of nature. Therefore the protection offered within a material marriage cannot be absolute.
- Kṛṣṇa is the real husband and master of every living entity. He is the original enjoyer, while all living entities depend on Him.
Try this today
Name one concern about your family or security, and offer a brief prayer acknowledging your dependence on Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Where am I expecting another person, or myself, to provide protection that only Kṛṣṇa can give?
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.