Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.13.46
Nirodha· Winding upBhakti-yoga Frees Us From Material Control
“This gross material body made of five elements is already under the control of eternal time [kāla], action [karma] and the modes of material nature [guṇa]. How then can it, being already in the jaws of the serpent, protect others?”
What the purport teaches
- The material body is controlled by kāla, karma and guṇa—eternal time, action and the modes of material nature. Being bound itself, it cannot provide lasting protection to others.
- Goodness allows a person to see things as they are and help to a certain extent. Yet time eventually frustrates even temporarily beneficial material projects.
- Bhakti-yoga is the remedy for escaping the control of material nature. Engaging people in spreading bhakti-yoga is described as the highest perfection of philanthropic work.
Try this today
Share this verse’s teaching about bhakti-yoga with one person who is open to hearing it.
Ask yourself
How can your desire to help others include the lasting benefit of devotional service?
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.