Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.1.66
Ūti· What drives us to actAssociation Can Undermine Honest Earning
“Although born of a brāhmaṇa family, this rascal, bereft of intelligence because of the prostitute’s association, earned money somehow or other, regardless of whether properly or improperly, and used it to maintain the prostitute’s sons and daughters.”
What the purport teaches
- Although born in a brāhmaṇa family, Ajāmila lost his intelligence through the prostitute’s association. His birth did not prevent his decline.
- He earned money by whatever means he could. He no longer distinguished between proper and improper ways of earning.
- He used this money to maintain the prostitute’s sons and daughters. Maintaining them had become disconnected from concern about how the money was obtained.
Try this today
Review one money-related decision today and make sure it involves no dishonest means.
Ask yourself
Do I consider whether my means of earning are proper, not just whether they meet my needs?
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.