Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.20.26
Mukti· LiberationReal Piety Is Steady Loving Service
“It is firmly declared that the steady adherence of transcendentalists to their respective spiritual positions constitutes real piety and that sin occurs when a transcendentalist neglects his prescribed duty. One who adopts this standard of piety and sin, sincerely desiring to give up all past association with sense gratification, is able to subdue materialistic activities, which are by nature impure.”
What the purport teaches
- Real piety is steady adherence to one’s spiritual position; neglecting prescribed duty is sin. An accidental falldown does not require abandoning regular spiritual practice for special penances.
- The purpose of Vedic literature is to direct one back home, back to Godhead, not to encourage sense gratification. Material rewards are offered to engage people who are still materially inclined.
- Kṛṣṇa consciousness should be practiced earnestly and constantly, with a sincere desire to leave behind sinful life. Essential piety is giving up material sense gratification and engaging in loving service to the Lord, who protects the surrendered soul.
Try this today
Complete one regular devotional duty today with attentive use of your senses, mind and intelligence.
Ask yourself
Does my daily practice show a sincere desire to serve the Lord and leave sense gratification behind?
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.