Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.18.56
Ūti· What drives us to actService Can Conceal Self-Interest
“O King, who are respectful to everyone, Indra understood Diti’s purpose, and thus he contrived to fulfill his own interests. Following the logic that self-preservation is the first law of nature, he wanted to break Diti’s promise. Thus he engaged himself in the service of Diti, his aunt, who was residing in an āśrama.”
What the purport teaches
- Indra understood Diti’s purpose and made a plan to protect his own interests.
- Following the logic of self-preservation, he wanted to break Diti’s promise.
- He began serving Diti, his aunt, while she was residing in an āśrama.
Try this today
Before helping someone today, pause and honestly examine your motive.
Ask yourself
When I help someone, am I also seeking a hidden advantage?
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.