Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.7.20
Ūti· What drives us to actAn Ancient Practice of Human Purchase
“Thereafter, in the sixth year, after wandering in the forest, Rohita returned to the capital of his father. He purchased from Ajīgarta his second son, named Śunaḥśepha. Then he offered Śunaḥśepha to his father, Hariścandra, to be used as the sacrificial animal and offered Hariścandra his respectful obeisances.”
What the purport teaches
- In the sixth year, Rohita returned and purchased Ajīgarta’s second son, Śunaḥśepha. He offered him to Hariścandra for sacrifice and offered his father respectful obeisances.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Hariścandra needed a person to sacrifice as the animal in a yajña, fulfilling his promise to Varuṇa.
- The purport observes that people could apparently be purchased for any purpose in those days. Animal sacrifice and slave trade existed millions of years ago and have existed since time immemorial.
Try this today
Write one sentence identifying the historical practice that Śrīla Prabhupāda explains.
Ask yourself
What does the purport help me understand about the practices described here?
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.