Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.84.12
Mukti· LiberationHear and Honor Pure Vaiṣṇavas
“Neither the demigods controlling fire, the sun, the moon and the stars nor those in charge of earth, water, ether, air, speech and mind actually remove the sins of their worshipers, who continue to see in terms of dualities. But wise sages destroy one’s sins when respectfully served for even a few moments.”
What the purport teaches
- An immature devotee may recognize only the Lord’s Deity as divine and regard even His confidential servants as material. Still, recognizing Lord Viṣṇu’s supremacy makes that devotee worthy of some respect.
- Association with advanced sages, directly or through their instructions, helps one advance in devotional life. Respectful service to wise sages can destroy sins even within a few moments.
- False pride, disrespect toward Vaiṣṇavas and lack of compassion are subtle signs of immaturity. The best remedy is to hear from and honor pure Vaiṣṇavas and assist their work of delivering conditioned souls.
Try this today
Read one instruction from a pure Vaiṣṇava and choose one way to follow it today.
Ask yourself
Which needs more attention in my life: humility, respect for Vaiṣṇavas or compassion?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.