Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.29.34
Mukti· LiberationAwaken to Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
“Nārada continued: O you who are free from all sinful activity! No one can counteract the effects of fruitive activity simply by manufacturing a different activity devoid of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. All such activity is due to our ignorance. When we have a troublesome dream, we cannot relieve it with a troublesome hallucination. One can counteract a dream only by awaking. Similarly, our material existence is due to our ignorance and illusion. Unless we awaken to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, we cannot be relieved of such dreams. For the ultimate solution to all problems, we must awaken to Kṛṣṇa consciousness.”
What the purport teaches
- Another activity devoid of Kṛṣṇa consciousness cannot counteract the effects of fruitive activity. It merely shifts the same burden.
- Elaborate arrangements for bodily comfort, even when successful, are only māyā. Taking on one trouble to counteract another cannot bring lasting happiness.
- Just as a troublesome dream ends by awakening, material illusion ends by awakening to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Real happiness is to return home, back to Godhead.
Try this today
Take one minute today to reflect on returning home, back to Godhead, as your goal rather than bodily comfort alone.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking lasting happiness or only another arrangement for bodily comfort?
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.