Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.13.53
Mukti· LiberationTurn the Mind From Matter to Spirit
“On the banks at Saptasrota, Dhṛtarāṣṭra is now engaged in beginning aṣṭāṅga-yoga by bathing three times daily, in the morning, noon and evening, by performing the Agni-hotra sacrifice with fire and by drinking only water. This helps one control the mind and the senses and frees one completely from thoughts of familial affection.”
What the purport teaches
- Yoga is a systematic way to control the senses and mind and turn them from matter toward Paramātmā. Its purpose is spiritual realization, not magical displays or merely bodily healing.
- By Vidura's grace, Dhṛtarāṣṭra recognized his illusory absorption in family affairs and left home for spiritual realization. At Saptasrota he undertook bathing, sacrifice and fasting as part of his discipline.
- Control of the tongue and observance of regulative principles are necessary for yoga. Dhṛtarāṣṭra sat calmly in a spiritual atmosphere, deeply absorbed in Lord Hari, the Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Sit quietly for a few minutes today, set aside thoughts of possessions and family affairs, and concentrate on Lord Hari.
Ask yourself
Which material concern most often keeps my mind from thoughts of the Lord?
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.