Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.9.15
Mukti· LiberationUse Material Facilities to Serve Kṛṣṇa
“When a person living in a temporary material body tries to construct a happy home, the result is fruitless and miserable. The snake, however, enters a home that has been built by others and prospers happily.”
What the purport teaches
- Trying to secure lasting happiness through a home is fruitless for one living in a temporary body. The snake avoids the labor of building by using a suitable shelter made by others.
- Devotees do not personally struggle for material advancement, nor must they artificially imitate ancient austerities. Their goal is simply to serve Kṛṣṇa as nicely as possible.
- Material conveniences and opulence may be accepted without personal attachment and engaged in the Lord's loving service. Using them for personal enjoyment causes one to fall from pure devotional service.
Try this today
Use one facility you already have for a small act of service to Kṛṣṇa today.
Ask yourself
Am I using my conveniences mainly for personal enjoyment or for serving Kṛṣṇa?
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.