Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.20.13
Mukti· LiberationSeek Godhead, Not Permanent Material Residence
“A human being who is wise should never desire promotion to heavenly planets or residence in hell. Indeed, a human being should also never desire permanent residence on the earth, for by such absorption in the material body one becomes foolishly negligent of one’s actual self-interest.”
What the purport teaches
- Human life on earth offers an excellent opportunity for spiritual liberation through Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or devotional service to the Lord.
- One should neither desire heaven nor risk hell, where excessive enjoyment or punishment distracts from self-realization. Nor should one wish to remain on earth forever.
- Actual human progress goes beyond material piety and sin, neither of which establishes the living entity in his eternal position. The goal is ultimately love of Godhead and return to His eternal abode.
Try this today
Notice one wish for lasting material comfort and spend a few minutes instead in devotional service to Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Where am I treating a temporary material situation as my lasting 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.