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Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.23.61

Mukti· Liberation

Hear Attentively and Serve with Love

“Anyone who listens to or recites to others this song of the sannyāsī, which presents scientific knowledge of the Absolute, and who thus meditates upon it with full attention, will never again be overwhelmed by the dualities of material happiness and distress.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 11.23.61, translation

What the purport teaches

  • Attentively hearing, reciting and meditating on this song protects one from being overwhelmed by material happiness and distress. The song presents knowledge of the Absolute.
  • The Vaiṣṇava sannyāsī overcame illusion by taking shelter of the Lord's devotional service. Having received the Lord's mercy, he also taught others so they could follow the devotees.
  • True religion means becoming a pure devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in loving service. Its sole objective is the Lord's satisfaction, not material enjoyment or renunciation merely to avoid inconvenience.

Try this today

Read one verse of this song aloud with full attention, then reflect on how it can help you serve the Lord for His satisfaction.

Ask yourself

Is your spiritual practice directed toward the Lord's satisfaction, or mainly toward your own comfort?

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.

One of the 108 chosen lessons, close to this verseAccept Guidance Across Material ExistenceSB 11.20.17Next · LeadTeach what you are livingTurn this chapter into a timed class plan or a short reel script.Open Lecture Studio