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Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.5.39

Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protection

Loving Service Is the Highest Gift

“O brāhmaṇa, thus by the Supreme Lord Kṛṣṇa I was endowed first with the transcendental knowledge of the Lord as inculcated in the confidential parts of the Vedas, then with the spiritual opulences, and then with His intimate loving service.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.5.39, translation

What the purport teaches

  • Transcendental sound is nondifferent from Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and is a perfect method for approaching Him. Pure contact through this sound enables the devotee to understand the inner meaning of Vedic literature.
  • The Lord gradually reveals His identity to one with unflinching faith in both Him and the spiritual master. Beyond knowledge and spiritual opulences, He grants intimate loving service through the spiritual master.
  • A pure devotee is more interested in serving the Lord than displaying mystic powers. Chanting is open to everyone, provided the transcendental sound is received through the paramparā system.

Try this today

Before chanting today, pause and make loving service to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa your purpose, rather than seeking special powers.

Ask yourself

Am I more interested in serving the Lord than in gaining extraordinary abilities or recognition?

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.

One of the 108 chosen lessons, close to this verseRemember Kṛṣṇa While Performing Your DutiesSB 1.5.36Next · LeadTeach what you are livingTurn this chapter into a timed class plan or a short reel script.Open Lecture Studio