The Sage Page / Vol. 1 Episodes 477 - 482

Srimad Bhagavatam / Canto 3 / Chapters 12 - 14 / July 5 - 11, 2021

Here are a few points to take away.

• 3 reasons DIti Gives for Abandoning Self-control / Dharma

1. Kama (my senses and mind are calling for it) Text 3.14.10
2. Jealousy / lack of esteem in the eyes of others Text 3.14.11
3. Desire for fame Text 3.14.12  (Ep. 477)

• What are we meant to learn from the narration about Diti's pregnancy?

The point is not...
• that we need to become more aware of astrological influences.
• that we need to implement more, apparently random, types of regulations on our life (when to have sex, etc.).

The point is that our dharma is in connection (with love) to our source - Sri Krishna. Our natural condition is awareness of that principle. In that awareness everything becomes an offering of love - our body, words, mind, time, energy, etc. As well as the common bodily activities like eating and sex. It's all done with the awareness that I act in connection with God, rather than breaking the connection. When we maintain the connection auspiciousness arises. When we break it inauspiciousness arises.

• The Purification Mantra

oṁ apavitraḥ pavitro vā / sarvāvasthāṁ gato 'pi vā
yaḥ smaret puṇḍarīkākṣaṁ / sa bahyābhyantaraḥ śuciḥ
śrī-viṣṇu śrī-viṣṇu śrī-viṣṇu

"Both pure and impure, if while passing through the conditions of material life one remembers the lotus-eyed Lord, then one becomes externally and internally clean." From the Garuda Purana  
(Ep. 477)

• Practicing Freedom from Animosity
  The chapter ends with the glorification of Prahlad (Diti's future grandson). The most important teaching from Prahlad is how he did not see in terms of friends & enemies - this is spiritual knowledge / truth.
  "In order to follow in his footsteps, saintly persons will try to emulate his character by practicing freedom from animosity, just as the purifying processes rectify gold of inferior quality." Text 3.14.46. (Ep. 480)
  
  

• Helpful Ways to Phrase Questions when Trying to Serve Someone Grieving or Dealing with Trauma.
  Find out how you can serve. Ask...
  - What are you going through? (This is a much deeper question than "How are you doing?")
  - What's most important to you right now?
  - How can I serve you?
  (Ep. 481)
  
  

• Some Nuggets from Chaitanya Charan Das - The Spiritual Scientist
  - Just because something happens routinely doesn't make it any less extraordinary.
  - What we call reality depends on the scale of our perception.
  - Humility facilitates open-mindedness.
  (Ep. 482)