Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.19.11
Ūti· What drives us to actLasting Enjoyment Does Not End Desire
“My dear wife, when the he-goat had his testicles restored, he enjoyed the she-goat he had gotten from the well, but although he continued to enjoy for many, many years, even now he has not been fully satisfied.”
What the purport teaches
- After his bodily capacity was restored, the he-goat continued enjoying for many years. Even then, he was not fully satisfied.
- The purport explains that sexual desires bound up with affection for one’s wife are very difficult to overcome. It therefore recommends voluntary retirement from household enjoyment.
- Human life is meant for tapasya, or austerity. Voluntarily giving up sexual enjoyment and engaging in spiritual activities with devotees fulfills life’s actual purpose.
Try this today
Give up one optional pleasure today and use that time for a spiritual activity in the company of devotees.
Ask yourself
What repeated enjoyment has failed to give you lasting satisfaction?
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.