Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.4.13
Ūti· What drives us to actPower Can Coexist With Abominable Conduct
“O my dear King, Hiraṇyakaśipu was always drunk on strong-smelling wines and liquors, and therefore his coppery eyes were always rolling. Nonetheless, because he had powerfully executed great austerities in mystic yoga, although he was abominable, all but the three principal demigods — Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and Lord Viṣṇu — personally worshiped him to please him by bringing him various presentations with their own hands.”
What the purport teaches
- Hiraṇyakaśipu was always intoxicated with strong-smelling wines and liquors. Despite his abominable conduct, his austerities in mystic yoga had given him great power.
- All but Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and Lord Viṣṇu served him and personally brought presentations to please him.
- The purport names three kinds of demigods: the Ādityas, Vasus and Rudras. It also explains that the word tri applies to Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and Lord Viṣṇu.
Try this today
When you notice an influential person today, distinguish their influence from their conduct.
Ask yourself
Do I mistake someone’s power or public honors for good conduct?
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.