Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.21.12
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLoving Realization Is Yoga’s Highest Perfection
“When Kardama Muni actually realized the Supreme Personality of Godhead in person, he was greatly satisfied because his transcendental desire was fulfilled. He fell on the ground with his head bowed to offer obeisances unto the lotus feet of the Lord. His heart naturally full of love of God, with folded hands he satisfied the Lord with prayers.”
What the purport teaches
- Seeing the Supreme Personality of Godhead fulfilled Kardama Muni’s transcendental desire. With a heart full of love, he bowed down and offered prayers.
- The highest perfection of yoga is realization of the Lord’s personal form, not the loss of individual existence. Spiritual happiness arises in realizing the self and the Supreme Soul.
- Material powers and excessive sense enjoyment divert one from yoga’s ultimate goal. Devotional service begins with the relationship between Kṛṣṇa and His devotees, who accept only the material necessities of life.
Try this today
Fold your hands and offer a short prayer asking to progress in loving service to the Lord.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking spiritual happiness through service, or looking mainly for material benefits?
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.