Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.3.17
Mukti· LiberationCross Illusion Through Loving Devotional Service
“King Nimi said: O great sage, please explain how even a foolish materialist can easily cross over the illusory energy of the Supreme Lord, which is always insurmountable for those who are not self-controlled.”
What the purport teaches
- Material attachment dulls intelligence and leads us to identify with the temporary body. Even religious ceremonies miss their purpose when performed for sense gratification rather than loving devotional service.
- King Nimi already knew that one can cross māyā by surrendering to the Lord and pleasing Him through pure devotional service. He asked his question out of kindness toward those entangled in material activities.
- Every living being has an eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Life remains ultimately empty until we learn to direct our love toward Him.
Try this today
Take one quiet minute today to express your wish to love and serve Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Am I directing my spiritual efforts toward material rewards or toward loving Kṛṣṇa?
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.