Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.5.37
Ūti· What drives us to actStay Humble and Seek Devotee Association
“Although a medicinal herb, being born in the forest, does not belong to the same category as a man, if beneficial it is kept very carefully. Similarly, if someone outside one’s family is favorable, he should be given protection like a son. On the other hand, if a limb of one’s body is poisoned by disease, it must be amputated so that the rest of the body may live happily. Similarly, even one’s own son, if unfavorable, must be rejected, although born of one’s own body.”
What the purport teaches
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu teaches devotees to be humbler than grass and more tolerant than trees. These qualities help protect the execution of devotional service from disturbances.
- Hiraṇyakaśipu used the example of amputating a diseased limb to justify killing his son. Prahlāda rejected his father’s philosophy while remaining tolerant and humble.
- Those serious about spiritual advancement should give up nondevotee association and keep company with devotees. Attachment to temporary, miserable material existence obstructs spiritual progress.
Try this today
Spend a few minutes with a devotee today, discussing how to advance in devotional service.
Ask yourself
How can I remain humble while declining influences that weaken my devotional service?
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.