Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.7.8
Ūti· What drives us to actSee Beyond Material Duality to Kṛṣṇa
“One whose consciousness is bewildered by illusion perceives many differences in value and meaning among material objects. Thus one engages constantly on the platform of material good and evil and is bound by such conceptions. Absorbed in material duality, such a person contemplates the performance of compulsory duties, nonperformance of such duties and performance of forbidden activities.”
What the purport teaches
- When the mind is not fixed on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it becomes bound by material good and evil. One who develops love of God sees the Lord everywhere, beyond superficial material appearances.
- We are eternal spirit souls, part and parcel of Lord Kṛṣṇa, with no permanent relationship to changing material conditions. Occupational duties become a path to perfection when performed for His satisfaction.
- Material goodness purifies consciousness and provides a favorable starting point for spiritual life. Its purpose is fulfilled by rising to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, not by remaining satisfied with ordinary piety.
Try this today
Choose one duty today and consciously perform it for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction.
Ask yourself
Am I doing my duties only for material results, or for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction?
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.