Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.8.5 · one of the 108 chosen verses
Mukti· LiberationDevotional Hearing Cleanses the Heart
“The sound incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Soul [i.e., Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam], enters into the heart of a self-realized devotee, sits on the lotus flower of his loving relationship, and thus cleanses the dust of material association, such as lust, anger and hankering. Thus it acts like autumnal rains upon pools of muddy water.”
What the purport teaches
- Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the sound incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Through hearing, the Lord becomes manifest in the heart and cleanses material lust, anger and hankering.
- A pure devotee empowered by the spiritual master can deliver not only himself but many others. Devotional service has the power to cleanse the hearts of people in general.
- Sincere hearing helps one realize one’s loving relationship with the Lord and become situated in His service. Regular devotional hearing is recommended for lasting purification, unlike methods whose effects may be temporary.
Try this today
Hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam attentively for five minutes today, with the desire to serve the Lord and have your heart cleansed.
Ask yourself
How can I approach hearing as loving service rather than merely gathering information?
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.