Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.18.27-28
Ūti· What drives us to actPleasing Service Can Conceal Another Aim
“Thinking in this way [with a desire for a son to kill Indra], Diti began constantly acting to satisfy Kaśyapa by her pleasing behavior. O King, Diti always carried out Kaśyapa’s orders very faithfully, as he desired. With service, love, humility and control, with words spoken very sweetly to satisfy her husband, and with smiles and glances at him, Diti attracted his mind and brought it under her control.”
What the purport teaches
- Diti constantly tried to please Kaśyapa, while desiring a son who would kill Indra.
- She faithfully carried out his orders with service, love, humility, self-control and sweet words. Her smiles and glances brought his mind under her control.
- The purport explains that a wife who pleases her husband can receive necessities, ornaments and satisfaction for her senses. Diti’s behavior illustrates this.
Try this today
Before doing a favor today, honestly name what you hope to receive in return.
Ask yourself
What motive lies behind my efforts to please someone?
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.