Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.14.17-18
Ūti· What drives us to actAttraction Stirs Strong Emotions
“Having been cursed by Mitra and Varuṇa, the celestial woman Urvaśī had acquired the habits of a human being. Therefore, upon seeing Purūravā, the best of males, whose beauty resembled that of Cupid, she controlled herself and then approached him. When King Purūravā saw Urvaśī, his eyes became jubilant in the ecstasy of joy, and the hairs on his body stood on end. With mild, pleasing words, he spoke to her as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- Because of the curse of Mitra and Varuṇa, Urvaśī had acquired the habits of a human being.
- Seeing Purūravā, whose beauty resembled Cupid's, she controlled herself and approached him.
- Purūravā's eyes became jubilant and his hairs stood on end when he saw her. He addressed her with mild, pleasing words.
Try this today
Pause before speaking during one emotionally charged moment today, and choose mild words.
Ask yourself
How do strong feelings affect my manner of speaking?
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.