Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.19.36-39
Mukti· LiberationReal Virtue Centers on Kṛṣṇa
“Absorbing the intelligence in Me constitutes mental equilibrium, and complete discipline of the senses is self-control. Tolerance means patiently enduring unhappiness, and steadfastness occurs when one conquers the tongue and genitals. The greatest charity is to give up all aggression toward others, and renunciation of lust is understood to be real austerity. Real heroism is to conquer one’s natural tendency to enjoy material life, and reality is seeing the Supreme Personality of Godhead everywhere. Truthfulness means to speak the truth in a pleasing way, as declared by great sages. Cleanliness is detachment in fruitive activities, whereas renunciation is the sannyāsa order of life. The true desirable wealth for human beings is religiousness, and I, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, am sacrifice. Religious remuneration is devotion to the ācārya with the purpose of acquiring spiritual instruction, and the greatest strength is the prāṇāyāma system of breath control.”
What the purport teaches
- Mental equilibrium means fixing the intelligence in Lord Kṛṣṇa, not merely becoming peaceful. Discipline begins with controlling one’s own senses, and tolerance means patiently enduring unhappiness and the inconveniences of following scripture.
- Real charity means giving up aggression, austerity means renouncing lust, and heroism means conquering one’s lower nature. Truth should be spoken pleasingly for a beneficial effect, rather than used to justify faultfinding.
- Equal vision develops through giving up envy and recognizing the soul within every body; the pleased Supreme Lord then reveals Himself. Sacrifice must center on the Supreme Personality of Godhead rather than temporary rewards, and sharing spiritual instruction can repay the spiritual master through service.
Try this today
In one conversation today, speak a needed truth in a pleasing, beneficial way without dwelling on the other person’s faults.
Ask yourself
Am I trying to correct others while neglecting control of my own senses and speech?
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.