Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.11.5
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotional Service Gives Lasting Liberation
“When Dhruva Mahārāja saw the Yakṣas coming forward, he immediately took his arrows and cut the enemies to pieces. Separating their arms, legs, heads and bellies from their bodies, he delivered the Yakṣas to the planetary system which is situated above the sun globe and which is attainable only by first-class brahmacārīs, who have never discharged their semen.”
What the purport teaches
- Although Dhruva Mahārāja killed the Yakṣas indiscriminately, they attained Satyaloka. The purport explains that being killed by the Lord or His devotee can benefit the person killed.
- Pure brahmacārīs who never discharge semen can attain Satyaloka through their celibacy. Yet even those who reach Brahmaloka must return to material existence.
- Actual liberation is attained only through devotional service, which takes one to the spiritual world, beyond return. Without Kṛṣṇa’s mercy, no one can have liberation.
Try this today
Offer a brief prayer to Kṛṣṇa asking for His mercy to engage in devotional service.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking temporary elevation, or a lasting relationship with the Lord through devotional service?
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.