Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.3.9-10
Ūti· What drives us to actEternal Existence Turned Toward Exalted Position
“The supreme person within this universe, Lord Brahmā, has gotten his exalted post by dint of severe austerities, mystic power and trance. Consequently, after creating the universe, he has become the most worshipable demigod within it. Since I am eternal and time is eternal, I shall endeavor for such austerity, mystic power and trance for many, many births, and thus I shall occupy the same post occupied by Lord Brahmā.
What the purport teaches
- Hiraṇyakaśipu wanted to occupy Lord Brahmā’s post through severe austerities, mystic power, and trance.
- The purport explains that this was impossible because Brahmā’s life is extremely long. One thousand yugas equals one day of Brahmā.
- Hiraṇyakaśipu reasoned that the self, ātmā, and time are eternal. He therefore resolved to continue his austerities life after life until he could attain that post.
Try this today
Examine one long-term ambition today and write down whether gaining a position is its main purpose.
Ask yourself
Is my determination centered on attaining an exalted position?
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.