Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.17.29
Āśraya· The supreme shelterRemain Transcendental Through Devotional Service
“The planet earth spoke: My dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, You are transcendental in Your position, and by Your material energy You have expanded Yourself in various forms and species of life through the interaction of the three modes of material nature. Unlike some other masters, You always remain in Your transcendental position and are not affected by the material creation, which is subject to different material interactions. Consequently You are not bewildered by material activities.”
What the purport teaches
- The earth recognized Pṛthu Mahārāja as a directly empowered incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Knowing that she could not deceive him, she approached him humbly.
- Material nature works under the Lord’s direction, yet He remains in His spiritual energy, unaffected by material interactions. He is simultaneously one with and different from His creation.
- A devotee always engaged in devotional service is liberated regardless of material circumstances. Knowing the soul’s position, the devotee chants Hare Kṛṣṇa without becoming attached to the material body.
Try this today
Chant once attentively: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.
Ask yourself
How can I keep devotional service central amid changing bodily circumstances?
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.