Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.26.29
Ūti· What drives us to actLive by Principles, Not Titles
“Any brāhmaṇa or brāhmaṇa’s wife who drinks liquor is taken by the agents of Yamarāja to the hell known as Ayaḥpāna. This hell also awaits any kṣatriya, vaiśya, or person under a vow who in illusion drinks soma-rasa. In Ayaḥpāna the agents of Yamarāja stand on their chests and pour hot melted iron into their mouths.”
What the purport teaches
- One should not be a brāhmaṇa in name only while engaging in sinful activities. The purport especially warns against drinking liquor.
- Brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas and vaiśyas must behave according to the principles of their order. A title cannot replace proper conduct.
- The translation also warns against drinking soma-rasa in the circumstances it names, including while under a vow. It describes punishment in Ayaḥpāna for these violations.
Try this today
Review one commitment you have made and choose one concrete action to keep it today.
Ask yourself
Does my behavior match the principles and commitments I profess?
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.