Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 9.42
Choose Lasting Welfare Over Immediate Pleasure
“ ‘It is the duty of every living being to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with his life, wealth, intelligence and words.’
What the purport teaches
- Every living being has a duty to benefit others with life, wealth, intelligence and words.
- Śreyas means activities that are ultimately beneficial and auspicious; preyas means those that are immediately beneficial and auspicious. A child’s preference for playing rather than receiving an education illustrates preyas.
- According to Vedic civilization, a human being must be God conscious, understanding God, the material world, oneself and their interrelationships. This is śreyas, ultimately auspicious activity.
Try this today
Spend a few minutes today considering what you need to understand about God, yourself and your relationship with Him.
Ask yourself
Where could I choose lasting benefit rather than only immediate enjoyment?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.