Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.4.11
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionDesire the Lord’s Personal Association
“O Vasu, I know from within your mind what you desired in the days of yore when the Vasus and other demigods responsible for expanding the universal affairs performed sacrifices. You particularly desired to achieve My association. This is very difficult for others to obtain, but I award it unto you.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord knew Uddhava’s earlier desire because He is present in every heart as Paramātmā, the Superconsciousness. He gives the living entity memory.
- Everyone is free to think and desire, but fulfillment depends on the supreme will. The Lord assured Uddhava that He would fulfill his desire for His association.
- By the Lord’s mercy, pure devotees know that His personal association is the highest perfection of life. This association is very difficult for those absorbed in philosophical speculation or fruitive activities.
Try this today
Offer a brief prayer expressing your desire for the Lord’s association rather than a material reward.
Ask yourself
How important is the Lord’s association among the things I desire?
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.