Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.19.41
Ūti· What drives us to actUse Money for the Supreme
“The utterance of the word om signifies separation from one’s monetary assets. In other words, by uttering this word one becomes free from attachment to money because his money is taken away from him. To be without money is not very satisfactory, for in that position one cannot fulfill one’s desires. In other words, by using the word om one becomes poverty-stricken. Especially when one gives charity to a poor man or beggar, one remains unfulfilled in self-realization and in sense gratification.”
What the purport teaches
- Śukrācārya could not appreciate Mahārāja Bali’s promise to give everything to Vāmanadeva. He offered Vedic evidence against giving everything to a poor beggar.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that om is meant for oṁ tat sat, the Absolute Truth. Freedom from attachment to money means spending it for the purpose of the Supreme.
- The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement helps the poor through both food and spiritual enlightenment. Money is best used to support such devotional service, helping people reform their character and advance toward returning back home, back to Godhead.
Try this today
Set aside a small amount today to support a Kṛṣṇa consciousness center that provides food and spiritual teaching.
Ask yourself
How could my use of money support advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness rather than attachment?
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.