Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.7.22
Ūti· What drives us to actDisrespect Undermines Material Strength
“Because of your misbehavior toward Bṛhaspati, you have been defeated by the demons. My dear demigods, since the demons were weak, having been defeated by you several times, how else could you, who were so advanced in opulence, be defeated by them?”
What the purport teaches
- Although the demigods were materially opulent, they were defeated by enemies they had previously overcome.
- Their impudent disrespect toward their spiritual master was the cause of their defeat.
- The śāstras state that disrespecting a respectable superior reduces one’s longevity and destroys the results of pious activities, leading to degradation.
Try this today
Review one recent interaction with a respected superior and identify any disrespect you need to correct.
Ask yourself
Do I ever rely on my advantages while neglecting respect for those who guide me?
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.