Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.9.10 · one of the 108 chosen verses
Mukti· LiberationDevotional Bliss Surpasses Temporary Happiness
“My Lord, the transcendental bliss derived from meditating upon Your lotus feet or hearing about Your glories from pure devotees is so unlimited that it is far beyond the stage of brahmānanda, wherein one thinks himself merged in the impersonal Brahman as one with the Supreme. Since brahmānanda is also defeated by the transcendental bliss derived from devotional service, then what to speak of the temporary blissfulness of elevating oneself to the heavenly planets, which is ended by the separating sword of time? Although one may be elevated to the heavenly planets, he falls down in due course of time.”
What the purport teaches
- The transcendental bliss of devotional service comes primarily through hearing and chanting. It surpasses even brahmānanda, the happiness of merging into the impersonal Brahman.
- Devotees not only meditate upon the Lord but also engage in His direct service. Relief from birth and death does not mean that one must merge into the Supreme Brahman.
- Those elevated to heavenly planets must return when the results of their pious activities are exhausted. Dhruva Mahārāja understood that devotional service is far more valuable than heavenly enjoyment or impersonal merging.
Try this today
Spend five minutes today hearing or chanting the Lord’s glories with attentive care.
Ask yourself
What place do hearing and chanting have in my search for happiness?
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.