Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.18.13
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesA Devotee’s Association Is Beyond Compare
“The value of a moment’s association with the devotee of the Lord cannot even be compared to the attainment of heavenly planets or liberation from matter, and what to speak of worldly benedictions in the form of material prosperity, which are for those who are meant for death.”
What the purport teaches
- Even a moment’s association with a pure devotee cannot be compared with heavenly happiness, liberation, or material prosperity. The devotee’s spiritual assets are entirely different from material assets.
- Pure devotees do not aspire for heavenly pleasures or freedom from material bondage. They are already engaged in transcendental existence through loving service to the Lord.
- Material benefits end with the body, but devotional service is eternal. Association with the Lord’s name, form, qualities, and devotees is always desirable and praiseworthy.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today to hear a devotee speak about the Lord’s name, form, or qualities.
Ask yourself
Do I value association that nourishes service to the Lord more than opportunities for material gain?
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.