Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.7.45
Mukti· LiberationLive Simply and Respect Saintly Persons
“Saintly persons become powerful by execution of austerities. Their consciousness is unshakable because they do not try to enjoy anything within the material world. Such naturally liberated sages accept foodstuffs that are offered to them by destiny, and if by chance they happen to eat contaminated food, they are not affected, just like fire, which burns up contaminated substances that are offered to it.”
What the purport teaches
- A saintly person becomes spiritually powerful through austerity and remains unshakable by not seeking material enjoyment.
- One should eat to maintain the body and keep the mind cheerful, not for luxurious enjoyment. Excessive indulgence encourages sex desire and laziness.
- Material allurements are defeated by a saintly person’s spiritual strength. One should reverentially honor advanced devotees, for the Lord does not excuse mistreatment of a pure devotee.
Try this today
At one meal today, eat only what you need rather than taking extra for enjoyment.
Ask yourself
Am I eating to maintain my body, or mainly to satisfy my senses?
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.