Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.5.44
Ūti· What drives us to actHearing Kṛṣṇa-kathā Frees Us from False Ownership
“O Lord, persons who are entangled by undesirable eagerness for the temporary body and kinsmen, and who are bound by thoughts of “mine” and “I,” are unable to see Your lotus feet, although Your lotus feet are situated within their own bodies. But let us take shelter of Your lotus feet.”
What the purport teaches
- Attachment to the temporary body and kinsmen binds one to thoughts of “mine” and “I.” This prevents one from seeing the Lord’s lotus feet, although He is present within one’s own body.
- The desire to lord it over material nature keeps one in material bondage. Pride in possessions, wealth and education reflects the false conception that “I am everything.”
- Even a deeply bound person can find relief by hearing kṛṣṇa-kathā. In the Age of Kali, hearing and chanting about Kṛṣṇa frees one from binding attachment and leads back to Godhead.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes today to hear kṛṣṇa-kathā instead of dwelling on something you want to possess or control.
Ask yourself
Which thoughts of “mine” and “I” make it harder for me to seek the Lord’s shelter?
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.