Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.14.6
Ūti· What drives us to actEnmity and Affection Shape Alliances
“Because of enmity between Bṛhaspati and Śukra, Śukra took the side of the moon-god and was joined by the demons. But Lord Śiva, because of affection for the son of his spiritual master, joined the side of Bṛhaspati and was accompanied by all the ghosts and hobgoblins.”
What the purport teaches
- Although the moon-god was a demigod, he took help from the demons to fight other demigods.
- Śukra joined the moon-god because he was Bṛhaspati’s enemy and wanted to retaliate against him in wrath.
- Lord Śiva joined Bṛhaspati with the ghosts and hobgoblins. He was affectionate toward Bṛhaspati because he had received knowledge from Bṛhaspati’s father, Aṅgirā.
Try this today
Before taking a side in one disagreement today, pause and name the feeling influencing your choice.
Ask yourself
When I take sides, am I being moved by resentment or by affection and gratitude?
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.