Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.9.13
Mukti· LiberationLoving Absorption Leaves Illusion Behind
“Thus, when one’s consciousness is completely fixed on the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one no longer sees duality, or internal and external reality. The example is given of the arrow maker who was so absorbed in making a straight arrow that he did not even see or notice the king himself, who was passing right next to him.”
What the purport teaches
- The arrow maker was so absorbed in making an arrow straight and sharp that he did not notice the king passing nearby. His concentration illustrates complete absorption in one's duty.
- External illusion consists of objects of sense gratification; internal illusion includes memories and hopes of material enjoyment. One absorbed in loving devotional service to Śrī Kṛṣṇa rejects both.
- Liberation means neither attraction nor aversion to sense objects, but loving absorption in Kṛṣṇa and the desire to please Him. Everything emanates from Him, and He is the Lord of everything.
Try this today
Choose one small act of devotional service and give it your full attention, with the intention of pleasing Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Do memories or hopes of material enjoyment distract me more than the things around me?
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.