Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.16.19
Mukti· LiberationThe Lord’s Mercy Carries Devotees Beyond
“Mystics and transcendentalists, by the mercy of the Lord, cross beyond nescience by ceasing all material desires. It is not possible, therefore, that the Supreme Lord can be favored by others.”
What the purport teaches
- Without the Supreme Lord’s mercy, no one can cross the ocean of repeated birth and death. By His mercy, devotees can pass beyond ignorance and attain His eternal abode.
- Devotees desire eternal association with the Supreme Personality of Godhead and service to Him. Their aim is not merely partial vision of Him or oneness with Him.
- The Lord needs no one’s favor, because no one is equal to or greater than Him. Everyone needs His favor to understand the purpose of human life.
Try this today
Offer a brief prayer asking for the Lord’s mercy to serve Him rather than pursue a material desire.
Ask yourself
Do I seek the Lord’s mercy chiefly for personal gain or for the opportunity to serve Him?
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.