Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.8.19
Ūti· What drives us to actAttachment Hid the Sun's Auspiciousness
“Alas, when the sun rises, all auspicious things begin. Unfortunately, they have not begun for me. The sun-god is the Vedas personified, but I am bereft of all Vedic principles. That sun-god is now setting, yet the poor animal who trusted in me since its mother died has not returned.”
What the purport teaches
- The sun is described as the eye of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It symbolically represents the Supreme Lord's eyes.
- The purport teaches that at sunrise one should chant the Vedic mantra beginning with the Gāyatrī.
- Although the sun was setting, the deer had not returned. Because of its absence, Bharata Mahārāja considered himself unfortunate and could see nothing auspicious even in the sun's presence.
Try this today
When you notice the sun today, remember its connection with the Supreme Lord rather than dwelling only on your worries.
Ask yourself
Does an unmet desire sometimes prevent you from recognizing what is auspicious?
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.