Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.23.22
Mukti· LiberationUse Human Life for Loving Service
“Those who obtain human life, which is prayed for even by the demigods, and in that human birth become situated as first-class brāhmaṇas, are extremely fortunate. If they disregard this important opportunity, they are certainly killing their own self-interest and thus achieve a most unfortunate end.”
What the purport teaches
- Human birth is especially valuable because it allows us to deeply consider our ultimate benefit. Even the demigods pray for this opportunity.
- A brāhmaṇa’s special qualification is spiritual knowledge: every living entity is an eternal servant of the Lord. This understanding brings humility, tolerance and respect for others.
- Neglecting Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the loving service of the Lord, destroys our own true self-interest. Working merely for prestige and sense gratification wastes this precious opportunity.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes today for loving service to Kṛṣṇa rather than an activity done merely for prestige.
Ask yourself
Am I using my human life for loving service, or mainly for pleasure and prestige?
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.