Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.20.25
Mukti· LiberationRepent and Continue Devotional Service
“If, because of momentary inattention, a yogī accidentally commits an abominable activity, then by the very practice of yoga he should burn to ashes the sinful reaction, without at any time employing any other procedure.”
What the purport teaches
- An accidental falldown means acting wrongly against one’s desire through momentary inattention. Deliberately exploiting the Lord’s mercy can never be excused.
- The transcendental yoga systems can burn sinful reactions to ashes, especially bhakti-yoga. One should not abandon prescribed duties to undertake separate purificatory rituals or penances.
- After an accidental falldown, one should sincerely lament but not become so discouraged that service stops. Remain properly engaged in devotional service, trusting Lord Kṛṣṇa to purify you while carefully avoiding another lapse.
Try this today
If you have had an accidental lapse, acknowledge it sincerely and carry out one regular devotional duty today with renewed care.
Ask yourself
When I make an unintended mistake, do I respond with sincere repentance and renewed service rather than excuses or despair?
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.