Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.5.6
Ūti· What drives us to actWork for Viṣṇu, Not Future Bondage
“Ignorant of the art of work, such arrogantly proud fools, enchanted and enlivened by the sweet words of the Vedas, pose as learned authorities and offer flattering entreaties to the demigods.”
What the purport teaches
- The art of work is to act for the satisfaction of Viṣṇu. Work done otherwise causes future bondage in repeated birth and death.
- False pride keeps ignorant people from asking learned devotees for guidance or accepting their advice. Attracted by promises of material rewards, they imagine they have understood everything.
- Even heavenly enjoyment is temporary, and even Lord Brahmā will die at the end of universal time. The entire universe is meant to be offered to Lord Viṣṇu as sacrifice, allowing the conditioned soul to progress toward His eternal kingdom.
Try this today
Before beginning one task today, pause and make its purpose the satisfaction of Lord Viṣṇu rather than your own enjoyment.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to accept devotional guidance about the purpose of my work?
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.