Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.7.20
Mukti· LiberationLet Observation Lead to Devotee Association
“An intelligent person, expert in perceiving the world around him and in applying sound logic, can achieve real benefit through his own intelligence. Thus sometimes one acts as one’s own instructing spiritual master.”
What the purport teaches
- A sensitive, reasonable person can learn by carefully observing the world. The happiness and distress of others help reveal what is beneficial and what is destructive.
- Knowledge gained through perception and intelligence should lead one to appreciate the representative of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Acting as one's own instructor does not mean dismissing spiritual guidance.
- Through good association, one gradually understands one's eternal position as Kṛṣṇa's servant. An enlightened servant becomes eager for the company of other devotees.
Try this today
Note one example of happiness or distress you observe today, and reflect on how it points toward the value of spiritual life.
Ask yourself
How can what I observe around me deepen my appreciation for the company of devotees?
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.