Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.2.13
Ūti· What drives us to actEnvy Turns Ability Toward Destruction
“Thus the demons, being fond of disastrous activities, took Hiraṇyakaśipu’s instructions on their heads with great respect and offered him obeisances. According to his directions, they engaged in envious activities directed against all living beings.”
What the purport teaches
- The demons respectfully accepted Hiraṇyakaśipu’s orders and carried out envious activities against living beings. Respectful obedience did not make their actions good.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda describes followers of demoniac principles as envious of the general populace, especially vulnerable citizens.
- The purport gives nuclear weapons as an example of discoveries used for destruction. Such advancement ultimately brings misfortune rather than welfare.
Try this today
Before following one instruction today, pause and consider whether it could harm someone.
Ask yourself
Do I judge an instruction by its effects on others, or only by who gives it?
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.