Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.13.5
Ūti· What drives us to actGreed Undermines Spiritual Standing
“For unnecessarily cursing him when he had committed no offense, Mahārāja Nimi countercursed his spiritual master. “For the sake of getting contributions from the King of heaven,” he said, “you have lost your religious intelligence. Therefore I pronounce this curse: your body also will fall.””
What the purport teaches
- The religious principle for a brāhmaṇa is that he should not be greedy at all.
- For more lucrative remuneration from the King of heaven, Vasiṣṭha neglected Mahārāja Nimi’s request and later unnecessarily cursed his offenseless disciple.
- Contaminated activities reduce one’s material or spiritual power. Although Vasiṣṭha was Nimi’s spiritual master, his greed caused him to become fallen.
Try this today
In one decision today, set aside the prospect of extra reward and consider your responsibility first.
Ask yourself
Where might the wish for greater reward be weakening my sense of duty?
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.