Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.7.6 · one of the 108 chosen verses
Mukti· LiberationDevotional Service Relieves Unwanted Miseries
“The material miseries of the living entity, which are superfluous to him, can be directly mitigated by the linking process of devotional service. But the mass of people do not know this, and therefore the learned Vyāsadeva compiled this Vedic literature, which is in relation to the Supreme Truth.”
What the purport teaches
- Vyāsadeva saw the conditioned souls’ unwanted miseries and their remedy: devotional service. Because people did not know this remedy, he compiled this Vedic literature.
- Devotional service begins with hearing and chanting the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s name, fame and glory. Even these prescribed practices directly lessen unwanted material miseries.
- Reviving love of Godhead depends on the Lord’s causeless mercy, not mechanical practice. He may grant loving service when pleased with sincere effort, and ultimate knowledge depends on devotional service.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes to hear or chant the Lord’s name and glory with attentive, sincere effort.
Ask yourself
How can I make my hearing and chanting more sincere rather than mechanical?
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.