Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.20.8-9
Ūti· What drives us to actDuṣmanta Encounters Beauty at the Āśrama
“Once when King Duṣmanta went to the forest to hunt and was very much fatigued, he approached the residence of Kaṇva Muni. There he saw a most beautiful woman who looked exactly like the goddess of fortune and who sat there illuminating the entire āśrama by her effulgence. The King was naturally attracted by her beauty, and therefore he approached her, accompanied by some of his soldiers, and spoke to her.”
What the purport teaches
- King Duṣmanta became very fatigued while hunting in the forest. He approached the residence of Kaṇva Muni.
- There he saw a most beautiful woman who looked like the goddess of fortune. Her effulgence illuminated the entire āśrama.
- The King was naturally attracted by her beauty. Accompanied by some soldiers, he approached her and spoke.
Try this today
During one moment of attraction today, pause and notice how it directs your attention.
Ask yourself
How does this account show beauty drawing the King’s attention?
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.