Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.22.23
Mukti· LiberationNourish Devotion Through Hearing and Chanting
“One has to make progress in spiritual life by not associating with persons who are simply interested in sense gratification and making money. Not only such persons, but one who associates with such persons should be avoided. One should mold his life in such a way that he cannot live in peace without drinking the nectar of the glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari. One can be thus elevated by being disgusted with the taste for sense enjoyment.”
What the purport teaches
- Spiritual advancement requires giving up company devoted only to money and sense gratification, including those who encourage such aims. One should also stop accepting these aims as life’s purpose.
- Simply avoiding materialistic association or living in seclusion is not enough. One needs positive engagement in devotional service, beginning with hearing the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- By serving the spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa, one receives the seed of devotional service. Hearing and chanting water this seed, so association with devotees is essential for steady growth.
Try this today
Replace one optional conversation focused only on money or sense enjoyment with time hearing or chanting the Lord’s glories in devotees’ company.
Ask yourself
What in my daily company nourishes devotion, and what encourages only money and sense 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.