Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.9.34
Ūti· What drives us to actDo Not Exchange Service for Rewards
“It is very difficult to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but in my case, although I have satisfied the Supersoul of the whole universe, I have prayed only for useless things. My activities were exactly like treatment given to a person who is already dead. Just see how unfortunate I am, for in spite of meeting the Supreme Lord, who can cut one’s link with birth and death, I have prayed for the same conditions again.”
What the purport teaches
- Dhruva had satisfied the Supersoul of the whole universe, yet he regretted praying for useless things. He compared his request to treating someone already dead.
- The Supreme Lord can cut the link with birth and death. Dhruva lamented that he had instead asked for the same material conditions again.
- Desiring material benefits in exchange for loving service is not the proper way to practice devotional service. Dhruva regretted acting in this way out of ignorance.
Try this today
Offer one brief prayer today for loving service, without attaching a request for material benefit.
Ask yourself
Do I expect a material reward in return for my service to the Lord?
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.