Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.15.10
Ūti· What drives us to actRecognize Animals’ Fear and Reject Cruelty
“Upon seeing the person engaged in performing the sacrifice, animals meant to be sacrificed are extremely afraid, thinking, “This merciless performer of sacrifices, being ignorant of the purpose of sacrifice and being most satisfied by killing others, will surely kill us.””
What the purport teaches
- Animals intended for sacrifice become extremely afraid when they see the performer. They expect that he will kill them without mercy.
- The translation describes such a performer as ignorant of the purpose of sacrifice and satisfied by killing others.
- The purport condemns slaughtering animals for either religion or food. It states that such killing requires mercilessness.
Try this today
Avoid food obtained by slaughter today, remembering the fear described in this verse.
Ask yourself
How does considering an animal’s fear affect my choices about food and religious practice?
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.