Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.17.19
Ūti· What drives us to actGrow Beyond Ignorance Through Goodness
“In this material world, neither the living entity himself nor others [friends and enemies] are the cause of material happiness and distress. But because of gross ignorance, the living entity thinks that he and others are the cause.”
What the purport teaches
- Through ignorance, the living entity considers himself or others the cause of material happiness and distress.
- One should rise to the mode of goodness through character and behavior. From there, one should gradually reach the transcendental platform and understand both one’s own position and that of others.
- Everything takes place under the superintendence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The process that ordains the results of actions is always working.
Try this today
Choose one interaction today in which you will act thoughtfully and respectfully instead of reacting in blame.
Ask yourself
What change in my behavior could help me move from ignorance toward goodness?
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.