Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.3.23
Mukti· LiberationChoose Devotional Association and Extend Mercy
“A sincere disciple should learn to dissociate the mind from everything material and positively cultivate association with his spiritual master and other saintly devotees. He should be merciful to those in an inferior position to him, cultivate friendship with those on an equal level and meekly serve those in a higher spiritual position. Thus he should learn to deal properly with all living beings.”
What the purport teaches
- Detach the mind from material attachments and cultivate association with the spiritual master and pure devotees. Steady devotional service to Kṛṣṇa carries one beyond the three modes of material nature.
- One may mentally respect anyone chanting Kṛṣṇa’s holy name while avoiding intimate association with materialistic persons. Association should support advancement in devotional service, not strengthen sense enjoyment.
- Show mercy to those less spiritually advanced, friendship to equals and humble service to spiritual authorities. Sharing Kṛṣṇa’s message under the spiritual master’s guidance brings spiritual progress and increasing devotional joy.
Try this today
Share one teaching about devotional service to Kṛṣṇa with someone who sincerely wants to hear.
Ask yourself
How can I cultivate both uplifting association and mercy toward someone who wants spiritual guidance?
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.