Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.9.6
Ūti· What drives us to actSurrender Possessions for the Lord’s Service
“O my Lord, the people of the world are embarrassed by all material anxieties — they are always afraid. They always try to protect wealth, body and friends, they are filled with lamentation and unlawful desires and paraphernalia, and they avariciously base their undertakings on the perishable conceptions of “my” and “mine.” As long as they do not take shelter of Your safe lotus feet, they are full of such anxieties.”
What the purport teaches
- Thinking in terms of “my” and “mine” brings fear and lamentation over wealth, body and relationships. The Lord’s lotus feet are the safe shelter from these anxieties.
- A pure devotee does not consider himself the proprietor of his home. He surrenders everything to the Lord’s supreme control.
- A devotee acquires wealth for the Lord’s service, not for sense enjoyment. Used in this way, wealth loses its power to entangle him.
Try this today
Use one thing you own in a small act of service to the Lord today.
Ask yourself
Which possession could I begin to see as meant for the Lord’s service rather than my enjoyment?
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.