Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.2.52
Ūti· What drives us to actAffection Meets the Pain of Helplessness
“O queens of Suyajña, the male kuliṅga bird, seeing his wife put into the greatest danger in the grip of Providence, became very unhappy. Because of affection, the poor bird, being unable to release her, began to lament for his wife.”
What the purport teaches
- The male kuliṅga bird saw his wife in great danger, in the grip of Providence.
- His affection for her made him deeply unhappy at her plight.
- He was unable to release her. In his helplessness, he began to lament for his wife.
Try this today
Reflect briefly on a time you could not help someone you loved, and name the affection and helplessness you felt.
Ask yourself
How do I respond when someone I love suffers and I cannot change the situation?
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.