Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.14.50-51
Ūti· What drives us to actAffection Intensifies the King’s Lamentation
“When King Citraketu heard of his son’s death from unknown causes, he became almost blind. Because of his great affection for his son, his lamentation grew like a blazing fire, and as he went to see the dead child, he kept slipping and falling on the ground. Surrounded by his ministers and other officers and the learned brāhmaṇas present, the King approached and fell unconscious at the child’s feet, his hair and dress scattered. When the King, breathing heavily, regained consciousness, his eyes were tearful, and he could not speak.”
What the purport teaches
- King Citraketu heard that his son had died from unknown causes and became almost blind. His great affection made his lamentation grow like a blazing fire.
- He kept slipping and falling as he went to the child. Surrounded by ministers, officers, and learned brāhmaṇas, he fell unconscious at his son’s feet, his hair and dress scattered.
- When he regained consciousness, he was breathing heavily. His eyes were tearful, and he could not speak.
Try this today
If someone shares sorrow today, listen patiently without pressing them to say more.
Ask yourself
What does the King’s inability to speak teach me about the depth of grief?
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.