Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.15.48-49
Ūti· What drives us to actRecognize Material Desire Behind Good Works
“The ritualistic ceremonies and sacrifices known as agni-hotra-yajña, darśa-yajña, pūrṇamāsa-yajña, cāturmāsya-yajña, paśu-yajña and soma-yajña are all symptomized by the killing of animals and the burning of many valuables, especially food grains, all for the fulfillment of material desires and the creation of anxiety. Performing such sacrifices, worshiping Vaiśvadeva, and performing the ceremony of Baliharaṇa, which all supposedly constitute the goal of life, as well as constructing temples for demigods, building resting houses and gardens, digging wells for the distribution of water, establishing booths for the distribution of food, and performing activities for public welfare — these are all symptomized by attachment to material desires.”
What the purport teaches
- The sacrifices described involve killing animals and burning valuables, especially food grains. They are performed for material desires and create anxiety.
- Such sacrifices and ceremonies are supposedly taken as the goal of life. The translation identifies them with material attachment.
- Building temples for demigods, providing water and food, and other public welfare activities are also included here. As described in this passage, they are marked by attachment to material desires.
Try this today
Before one helpful action today, pause and honestly identify any desire for personal reward.
Ask yourself
When I help others, what material reward or recognition do I hope to receive?
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.