Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.31.10
Āśraya· The supreme shelterBirth Finds Its Purpose in Devotional Service
“A civilized human being has three kinds of births. The first birth is by a pure father and mother, and this birth is called birth by semen. The next birth takes place when one is initiated by the spiritual master, and this birth is called sāvitra. The third birth, called yājñika, takes place when one is given the opportunity to worship Lord Viṣṇu. Despite the opportunities for attaining such births, even if one gets the life span of a demigod, if one does not actually engage in the service of the Lord, everything is useless. Similarly, one’s activities may be mundane or spiritual, but they are useless if they are not meant for satisfying the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- Human life offers three births: birth from father and mother, initiation by the spiritual master, and qualification to worship Lord Viṣṇu. Without service meant to satisfy the Lord, these opportunities remain useless.
- Even a little tendency toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness should be given a chance to develop into devotional service. Proper initiation, regular chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, and following the regulative principles help one become qualified.
- Devotional service purifies a person regardless of birth; birth alone does not establish spiritual qualification. The living entity is the eternal servitor of the Supreme Lord, so even a very long life is useless without devotion.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa with the intention of satisfying the Lord.
Ask yourself
How am I using my present opportunities to serve the Lord rather than relying on my background or achievements?
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.