Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.22.36
Nirodha· Winding upSeek Shelter Beyond Temporary Material Blessings
“We accept as blessings different states of higher life, distinguishing them from lower states of life, but we should know that such distinctions exist only in relation to the interchange of the modes of material nature. Actually these states of life have no permanent existence, for all of them will be destroyed by the supreme controller.”
What the purport teaches
- Higher and lower material conditions arise through the interaction of goodness, passion and ignorance. Even life on the highest planetary systems will be destroyed at the dissolution of the cosmic manifestation.
- Our highest achievement is to go to the spiritual world and take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Our real engagement should be inquiry into life's purpose and devotional service to the Lord.
- The Lord may show special favor by removing material opulences that obstruct a devotee's service. Such loss can enrich spiritual understanding and lead the devotee to take firm shelter of Him.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes today from pursuing material gain to reread this verse's teaching on life's real purpose.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking temporary material blessings, or lasting shelter in 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.