Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.5.18 · one of the 108 chosen verses
Mukti· LiberationEndeavor to Go Back to Godhead
“Persons who are actually intelligent and philosophically inclined should endeavor only for that purposeful end which is not obtainable even by wandering from the topmost planet [Brahmaloka] down to the lowest planet [Pātāla]. As far as happiness derived from sense enjoyment is concerned, it can be obtained automatically in course of time, just as in course of time we obtain miseries even though we do not desire them.”
What the purport teaches
- Material positions, from Brahmaloka to Pātāla, are impermanent and change according to our work. A thoughtful person should not be tempted by these changeable positions.
- Material life everywhere contains miseries and mixed happiness. No material position frees one from birth, death, old age and disease.
- Rather than wasting time pursuing temporary enjoyment, one should seek the permanent life of bliss and knowledge. Going back to Godhead should be the mission of everyone’s life.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes usually spent seeking entertainment to reflect on making return to Godhead your life’s mission.
Ask yourself
Which of my daily efforts serves a lasting spiritual purpose rather than temporary enjoyment?
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.