Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.18.32
Ūti· What drives us to actDesire Within Religious Principles
“When Princess Śarmiṣṭhā begged King Yayāti for a son, the King was certainly aware of the principles of religion, and therefore he agreed to fulfill her desire. Although he remembered the warning of Śukrācārya, he thought of this union as the desire of the Supreme, and thus he had sex with Śarmiṣṭhā.”
What the purport teaches
- The purport explains that Yayāti understood his duty as a kṣatriya: he could not refuse a woman who approached him asking for a son.
- Although he remembered Śukrācārya’s warning, Yayāti agreed to Śarmiṣṭhā’s request. He regarded the union as the desire of the Supreme.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that sex life not contrary to religious principles is sanctioned by Kṛṣṇa. He therefore describes this union for a son as an act of religion, not merely lust.
Try this today
Before acting on one strong desire today, pause to consider whether it agrees with the religious principles you have learned.
Ask yourself
Do I consider religious principles when deciding how to respond to a strong desire?
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.