Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.13.35
Mukti· LiberationSeek Spiritual Happiness Through Devotional Service
“Having understood the temporary illusory nature of material things, and thus having pulled one’s vision away from illusion, one should remain without material desires. By experiencing the happiness of the soul, one should give up material speaking and activities. If sometimes one must observe the material world, one should remember that it is not ultimate reality and therefore one has given it up. By such constant remembrance up till the time of death, one will not again fall into illusion.”
What the purport teaches
- Eating, sleeping and other bodily needs require some dealings with the material world. At such times, one should remember that it is not ultimate reality and remain Kṛṣṇa conscious.
- One should give up anxiety for sense gratification and seek spiritual bliss through devotional service to the Supreme Lord. Reviving one’s relationship with Kṛṣṇa is the alternative to personal material enjoyment.
- Accepting material objects for personal enjoyment produces attachment and bewilderment. Constant remembrance and withdrawal from materially motivated thought, speech and action protect one from illusion.
Try this today
During one meal today, remember that bodily maintenance is necessary, while spiritual happiness is sought through devotional service.
Ask yourself
How can I meet a bodily need without making personal enjoyment my goal?
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.