Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.26.36
Ūti· What drives us to actUse Wealth in Kṛṣṇa’s Service
“One who in this world or this life is very proud of his wealth always thinks, “I am so rich. Who can equal me?” His vision is twisted, and he is always afraid that someone will take his wealth. Indeed, he even suspects his superiors. His face and heart dry up at the thought of losing his wealth, and therefore he always looks like a wretched fiend. He is not in any way able to obtain actual happiness, and he does not know what it is to be free from anxiety. Because of the sinful things he does to earn money, augment his wealth and protect it, he is put into the hell called Sūcīmukha, where the officials of Yamarāja punish him by stitching thread through his entire body like weavers manufacturing cloth.”
What the purport teaches
- Possessing more wealth than necessary can make one proud and fearful of loss. Such attachment leaves one without actual happiness or freedom from anxiety.
- Money is also called lakṣmī, and Lakṣmī is always engaged in the service of Nārāyaṇa. Money should likewise be used in the Lord’s transcendental loving service.
- Nothing belongs to anyone but Kṛṣṇa, the true enjoyer and owner of all planets. Wealth beyond one’s needs should be spent for Kṛṣṇa and for spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness, rather than accumulated in pride.
Try this today
Set aside a small amount of money today to help spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Ask yourself
How could I use what I have beyond my needs in Kṛṣṇa’s service?
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.