Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.14.18
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionStrong Devotion Sustains the Struggling Devotee
“My dear Uddhava, if My devotee has not fully conquered his senses, he may be harassed by material desires, but because of his unflinching devotion for Me, he will not be defeated by sense gratification.”
What the purport teaches
- Even a sincere devotee may be troubled by material desires because of previous bad habits and immaturity. Unflinching devotion to Lord Kṛṣṇa keeps that devotee from being defeated by sense gratification.
- Strong devotion does not mean deliberately committing sinful activities and chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa to avoid their reactions.
- Like a courageous warrior who accepts a blow and continues toward victory, a devotee continues despite weakness. If devotion to Kṛṣṇa remains very strong, occasional weakness does not erase the devotee’s standing.
Try this today
When one distracting desire arises today, pause and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa with a sincere intention to continue serving.
Ask yourself
When lingering desires trouble me, do I return to devotion or become discouraged?
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.