Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.8.20
Mukti· LiberationSpiritual Taste Overcomes Material Desire
“By fasting, learned men quickly bring all of the senses except the tongue under control, because by abstaining from eating such men are afflicted with an increased desire to gratify the sense of taste.”
What the purport teaches
- Fasting may help control other senses while increasing the tongue’s desire for taste. Artificial deprivation alone cannot overcome material desire.
- By accepting prasādam, the remnants of food offered to the Lord, one gradually purifies the heart. Simplicity and austerity then develop naturally.
- The flavors of relationship originally exist between the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the living entity. Only real spiritual pleasure in relationship with Kṛṣṇa enables one to give up material desires.
Try this today
Accept prasādam today, remembering that it is the Lord’s remnants rather than merely something to satisfy your tongue.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking spiritual pleasure in relationship with Kṛṣṇa, or relying only on restriction?
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.