Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.2.15
Ūti· What drives us to actProtect Trees That Sustain People
“Some of the demons took digging instruments and broke down the bridges, the protective walls and the gates [gopuras] of the cities. Some took axes and began cutting the important trees that produced mango, jackfruit and other sources of food. Some of the demons took firebrands and set fire to the residential quarters of the citizens.”
What the purport teaches
- The demons destroyed bridges, protective walls, city gates and homes. They also cut down trees that supplied people with food.
- The cutting of trees is generally prohibited. Fruit-bearing trees are especially important because they maintain human society.
- Different countries have different kinds of fruit trees. The śāstric injunction is that trees producing good fruit for people’s maintenance should not be cut.
Try this today
Water a fruit tree today if one is accessible and needs water.
Ask yourself
Do I value fruit trees as sources of nourishment that deserve protection?
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.