Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.21.25
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyThe Vedas Lead Us Toward Surrender
“Those ignorant of their real self-interest are wandering on the path of material existence, gradually heading toward darkness. Why would the Vedas further encourage them in sense gratification if they, although foolish, submissively pay heed to Vedic injunctions?”
What the purport teaches
- The Vedas promise material rewards to draw people toward obedience to their instructions. These rewards are inducements to take the real medicine: submission to the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu.
- Material enjoyment brings suffering because both enjoyable objects and their enjoyers face destruction. Its promised satisfaction leaves one anxious and frustrated.
- Perfect knowledge means surrendering to the Supreme Lord in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The goal is eternal bliss and knowledge as His faithful servant.
Try this today
Before one devotional activity today, consciously choose service to the Lord as your purpose rather than material gain.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking lasting happiness through service to the Lord or through pleasures that cannot last?
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.