Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.40
Mukti· LiberationRegular Service Purifies the Heart
“By regular service to the brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas, one can clear the dirt from his heart and thus enjoy supreme peace and liberation from material attachment and be satisfied. In this world there is no fruitive activity superior to serving the brāhmaṇa class, for this can bring pleasure to the demigods, for whom the many sacrifices are recommended.”
What the purport teaches
- Regular service to brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas clears the heart and brings peace, satisfaction and freedom from material attachment. Such service is essential for true self-satisfaction.
- A spiritual atmosphere is maintained by living among devotees and serving the orders of the ācāryas. One should take shelter of a bona fide spiritual master and serve him and his associates.
- Birth alone does not establish someone as a genuine brāhmaṇa or Vaiṣṇava. Serving genuine devotees and following the principles of bhakti-yoga can bring liberation without severe penances and austerities.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today to help a genuine devotee with a practical task.
Ask yourself
How can I make service to genuine devotees a regular part of my life?
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.