Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.87.18
Mukti· LiberationWorship the Supreme Lord Within the Heart
“Among the followers of the methods set forth by great sages, those with less refined vision worship the Supreme as present in the region of the abdomen, while the Āruṇis worship Him as present in the heart, in the subtle center from which all the prāṇic channels emanate. From there, O unlimited Lord, these worshipers raise their consciousness upward to the top of the head, where they can perceive You directly. Then, passing through the top of the head toward the supreme destination, they reach that place from which they will never again fall to this world, into the mouth of death.”
What the purport teaches
- Authentic methods of yoga aim at meditation on the Supersoul, Paramātmā, who resides in the heart alongside the individual soul. His presence there is subtle and difficult to perceive.
- Beginning meditators may focus on the Lord’s presence in the abdomen, while the Āruṇis worship Him as the soul’s indwelling companion in the heart. He gives the soul knowledge and practical intelligence.
- Although meditational yoga is gradual and offers opportunities for distraction, when followed perfectly it can bear the fruit of pure devotion. These perfected worshipers reach the Lord’s kingdom, from which they need not return to rebirth.
Try this today
Pause for one minute today to remember and worship Kṛṣṇa in His expansion as Paramātmā, the Lord within the heart.
Ask yourself
How might remembering the Lord as my indwelling companion change my attitude toward worship?
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.