Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.8.17
Ūti· What drives us to actKind Concern Must Not Eclipse Spiritual Life
“Alas, is it possible that I shall again see this animal protected by the Lord and fearless of tigers and other animals? Shall I again see him wandering in the garden eating soft grass?”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Bharata longed to see the deer safely eating soft grass in his āśrama, free from fear of dangerous animals.
- He could think only of the deer and its protection from harm. His concern had become an unnecessary attachment.
- Such thoughts may seem laudable materially, but spiritually he was falling from his exalted position. This attachment would lead him to accept an animal body.
Try this today
Notice one absorbing concern today and make sure it does not take over the time you have set aside for spiritual practice.
Ask yourself
Has concern for another being become so absorbing that it displaces your spiritual life?
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.