Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.12.1-2
Mukti· LiberationDevotee Association Awakens Love of Godhead
“The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Uddhava, by associating with My pure devotees one can destroy one’s attachment for all objects of material sense gratification. Such purifying association brings Me under the control of My devotee. One may perform the aṣṭāṅga-yoga system, engage in philosophical analysis of the elements of material nature, practice nonviolence and other ordinary principles of piety, chant the Vedas, perform penances, take to the renounced order of life, execute sacrificial performances and dig wells, plant trees and perform other public welfare activities, give in charity, carry out severe vows, worship the demigods, chant confidential mantras, visit holy places or accept major and minor disciplinary injunctions, but even by performing such activities one does not bring Me under his control.”
What the purport teaches
- Association with pure devotees destroys attachment to material sense gratification. One can serve these devotees by assisting them or by having their personal association.
- Pure devotional service brings the blessings of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Association with His pure devotees brings Him under His devotee’s control more powerfully than other spiritual practices.
- The superiority of devotee association does not mean giving up prescribed vows such as Ekādaśī. Accept practices that support devotional service, keeping the satisfaction of Lord Kṛṣṇa as the goal.
Try this today
Offer one small, practical help to a devotee today.
Ask yourself
How can I give devotee association more importance while maintaining the practices that support my service?
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.