Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.3.10
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyUnderstanding Temperament and Serving Carefully
“Cyavana Muni was very irritable, but since Sukanyā had gotten him as her husband, she dealt with him carefully, according to his mood. Knowing his mind, she performed service to him without being bewildered.”
What the purport teaches
- Cyavana Muni was very irritable, but Sukanyā understood his temperament. She served him carefully without becoming bewildered.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda presents her conduct as faithful and chaste service, and warns that answering irritability with irritability disturbs home life.
- The purport also describes Lord Kṛṣṇa’s queens: although daughters of great kings, they placed themselves before Him as maidservants. Their example directs attention toward humble service to Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Try this today
Offer one small, considerate act of service today without answering irritation with irritation.
Ask yourself
How can I respond more thoughtfully rather than simply mirroring another person’s irritation?
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.