Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.1.62
Ūti· What drives us to actDevotional Service Gives Protection for Self-Control
“As far as possible he patiently tried to remember the instructions of the śāstras not even to see a woman. With the help of this knowledge and his intellect, he tried to control his lusty desires, but because of the force of Cupid within his heart, he failed to control his mind.”
What the purport teaches
- Ajāmila patiently tried to remember the instructions of the śāstras and use his intelligence to restrain his mind. Yet his awakened lusty desires overpowered these efforts.
- Controlling lust is extremely difficult without strength in knowledge, patience and proper bodily, mental and intellectual behavior. Even a fully qualified brāhmaṇa can struggle to restrain himself.
- Materialistic life makes self-control extremely difficult. Through devotional service, one comes specifically under the protection of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Take a quiet moment today to pray for the Supreme Personality of Godhead's protection and renew your intention to serve Him.
Ask yourself
Am I relying only on my own resolve, or also seeking the Lord's protection through devotional 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.