Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.10.27
Ūti· What drives us to actPower Can Become a Cause of Pride
“This demon, Hiraṇyakaśipu, received from me the benediction that he would not be killed by any living being within my creation. With this assurance and with strength derived from austerities and mystic power, he became excessively proud and transgressed all the Vedic injunctions.”
What the purport teaches
- Hiraṇyakaśipu received Brahmā’s benediction that no living being within Brahmā’s creation would kill him.
- With this assurance and strength from austerities and mystic power, he became excessively proud.
- His pride led him to transgress all the Vedic injunctions. His strength did not lead him to respect those instructions.
Try this today
Notice one ability you feel proud of, and remind yourself that it is no reason to disregard Vedic guidance.
Ask yourself
Does confidence in my abilities ever make me disregard spiritual instruction?
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.