Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.9.23
Mukti· LiberationServe as the Lord’s Instrument
“The Supreme Lord, the Personality of Godhead, is always the benefactor of the surrendered souls. His activities are always enacted through His internal potency, Ramā, or the goddess of fortune. I pray only to engage in His service in the creation of the material world, and I pray that I not be materially affected by my works, for thus I may be able to give up the false prestige of being the creator.”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Lord is always the benefactor of surrendered souls. His activities are carried out through His internal potency, Ramā, the goddess of fortune.
- Brahmā wanted to remain an instrument of the Lord rather than become proud of being the creator. This humble position makes one dear to the Lord.
- Intelligent persons give the Lord credit for wonderful creations, knowing that nothing moves without His will. Spiritual consciousness frees one from material attachment.
Try this today
Before one task today, pray to serve as the Lord’s instrument without seeking personal prestige.
Ask yourself
Where am I tempted to take all the credit instead of recognizing the Lord’s help?
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.