Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.30.32
Āśraya· The supreme shelterDevotional Service Is Complete Shelter
“Dear Lord, when the bee approaches the celestial tree called the pārijāta, it certainly does not leave the tree, because there is no need for such action. Similarly, when we have approached Your lotus feet and taken shelter of them, what further benediction may we ask of You?”
What the purport teaches
- A bee that reaches the pārijāta tree has an unlimited supply of honey and need not go elsewhere. Similarly, a devotee serving the Lord’s lotus feet needs no further benediction.
- The pārijāta is a wish-fulfilling tree, unlike ordinary trees that yield only particular fruits. The Lord’s lotus feet are compared to such wish-fulfilling trees.
- Being fixed in service to the Lord’s lotus feet brings unlimited transcendental bliss. Devotees, like bumblebees, are always attracted to those feet.
Try this today
During one act of devotional service today, thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve without requesting another blessing.
Ask yourself
Can I value devotional service itself as a blessing, rather than a means to obtain something else?
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.