Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.4.5
Ūti· What drives us to actDevotional Austerity Should Develop Forgiveness
“Because of having undergone long austerities in the water, the Pracetās were very angry at the trees. Desiring to burn them to ashes, they generated wind and fire from their mouths.”
What the purport teaches
- Severe austerity can give great mystic power, as shown by the Pracetās producing fire and wind from their mouths. Power alone, however, does not establish good qualities.
- The real feature of devotees who undergo austerity is forgiveness. A Vaiṣṇava does not become angry when put into difficulty.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu teaches humility, tolerance and respect for others. With this spirit, one can constantly chant the Lord’s holy name and preach His glories.
Try this today
When irritation arises today, pause and chant the Lord’s holy name before answering respectfully.
Ask yourself
When challenged, do you seek to show your strength or practise forgiveness?
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.