Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.24.37
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotional Service Is the Best Liberation
“My Lord, O Aniruddha, You are the authority by which the doors of the higher planetary systems and liberation are opened. You are always within the pure heart of the living entity. Therefore I offer my obeisances unto You. You are the possessor of semen which is like gold, and thus, in the form of fire, You help the Vedic sacrifices, beginning with cātur-hotra. Therefore I offer my obeisances unto You.”
What the purport teaches
- Svarga means the heavenly planetary systems, while apavarga means liberation. Attachment to fruitive activities keeps one entangled in the three modes of material nature.
- There are different kinds of liberation, but the best is engagement in the devotional service of the Supreme Lord. The goal is therefore beyond heavenly enjoyment.
- Lord Aniruddha helps fruitive workers reach higher planets and helps devotees engage in devotional service. His inspiration supplies the energy for serving the Lord.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, ask Lord Aniruddha for the inspiration to serve rather than seek a reward.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking rewards from the Lord, or the opportunity to serve Him?
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.