Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.17.55
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutySincere Surrender Makes Every Āśrama Successful
“A householder devotee who worships Me by execution of his family duties may remain at home, go to a holy place or, if he has a responsible son, take sannyāsa.”
What the purport teaches
- A householder devotee can worship Lord Kṛṣṇa through family duties. Remaining at home can therefore be a path of devotional service.
- A householder may also accept vānaprastha, going to a sacred place with his wife. If a responsible son can take over family duties, he may accept sannyāsa, the renounced order.
- In all three āśramas, ultimate success depends on sincere surrender to the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa consciousness is therefore the most important qualification.
Try this today
Choose one family duty today and perform it carefully as an act of worship of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
How can I make my present responsibilities an offering of service to Kṛṣṇa?
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.