Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.3.21
Mukti· LiberationBow Humbly and Serve the Lord
“The upper portion of the body, though crowned with a silk turban, is only a heavy burden if not bowed down before the Personality of Godhead who can award mukti [freedom]. And the hands, though decorated with glittering bangles, are like those of a dead man if not engaged in the service of the Personality of Godhead Hari.”
What the purport teaches
- Whatever our wealth or position, we should accept the supremacy of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. A decorated head that never bows before Him is only a heavy burden.
- The Deity is not to be considered stone or wood; the Lord favors us by His presence in this worshipable form. Hearing from authentic sources such as Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam helps us realize His presence.
- Hands become useful through service to the Lord, not merely through ornaments. Even someone with little time can spend a few seconds washing or sweeping the Lord’s temple.
Try this today
During a temple visit today, offer to spend a few moments sweeping or cleaning for the Lord.
Ask yourself
Does my sense of position make it harder for me to bow down and offer simple service?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.