Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.22.34
Mukti· LiberationRegulate Life for Spiritual Progress
“Those who strongly desire to cross the ocean of nescience must not associate with the modes of ignorance, for hedonistic activities are the greatest obstructions to realization of religious principles, economic development, regulated sense gratification and, at last, liberation.”
What the purport teaches
- Religion, economic development, regulated sense gratification and liberation provide a framework for human life. Material needs remain while we have a body, but they should not become our only concern.
- Earning money and enjoying the senses at the expense of religious principles obstruct spiritual advancement. Those who wish to cross beyond ignorance should avoid activities that deepen it.
- A regulated life under the direction of śāstras and guru allows material needs to be met while moving toward liberation. Our activities should support, not obstruct, freedom from material attachment.
Try this today
Review one spending or enjoyment habit today and set a small limit that protects your spiritual progress.
Ask yourself
Does one of my daily habits support spiritual progress or obstruct it?
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.