Character and Taste

In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Brahma (the creator) gave the following instruction to his son, Kardama Muni, who was faced with the prospect of finding suitable husbands for his nine beautiful daughters.

"Appearing at Kardama Muni's hermitage, Lord Brahma said, "My dear Kardama, your nine thin-waisted daughters are certainly very chaste, and I am sure they will expand the creation with their descendants. Therefore, today please give away your daughters to these foremost sages, with due regard for the girls' temperaments and likings, and thereby spread your fame all over the universe." (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.24.15)

Two key words of this verse in the original Sanskrit are silam, temperament or character, and ruci, liking or taste.

"The parents used to astrologically determine the character and tastes of the boy and girl, and when they corresponded, the match was selected. Other considerations were less important." (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.24.15 Bhaktivedanta purport)

According to karma we each take birth in a designated family, at a destined time and place, and under a specific configuration of planets. Our unique personal qualities are influenced by all these factors. When there is compatibility between two astrological profiles, it means that the two people will like each other and will get along well together. A long lasting relationship is not simply based on external attraction.

"Before marrying, one should select a wife of like disposition and not be enamoured by so-called beauty or other attractive features for sense gratification." (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.21.15 Bhaktivedanta purport.)

"Artwork courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
www.krishna.com. Used with permission."