Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.8.35
Ūti· What drives us to actMaterial Desires Do Not Bar Worship
“Dhruva Mahārāja said: My dear Lord Nāradajī, for a person whose heart is disturbed by the material conditions of happiness and distress, whatever you have so kindly explained for attainment of peace of mind is certainly a very good instruction. But as far as I am concerned, I am covered by ignorance, and this kind of philosophy does not touch my heart.”
What the purport teaches
- Material desire seeks to satisfy one's own senses. Spiritual desire means being ready to sacrifice anything to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Dhruva Mahārāja frankly admitted that material desires and distress still affected his heart. He valued Nārada's instruction but felt unable to accept it.
- Everyone is fit to worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Even with many material desires, one should take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and worship the Supreme Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Try this today
Offer a brief prayer to Kṛṣṇa, honestly acknowledging one material desire and expressing your wish to serve Him.
Ask yourself
Do I let my imperfect motives discourage me from worshiping Kṛṣṇa?
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.