Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.1.23
Mukti· LiberationRemember the Lord While Performing Duties
“Following the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Mahārāja Priyavrata fully engaged in worldly affairs, yet he always thought of the lotus feet of the Lord, which are the cause of liberation from all material attachment. Although Priyavrata Mahārāja was completely freed from all material contamination, he ruled the material world just to honor the orders of his superiors.”
What the purport teaches
- Priyavrata constantly thought of the Lord’s lotus feet and was already free from material contamination. He accepted governmental affairs to honor his superiors.
- Arjuna likewise performed duties he had not desired when ordered by Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Service to the Lord, rather than personal preference, guided his action.
- One who always remembers the Lord and worships Him with faith in loving service is the highest of yogīs. An advanced devotee fears nothing when given the opportunity to execute the Lord’s order.
Try this today
Before beginning one duty today, spend a moment remembering the Lord’s lotus feet and your purpose of serving Him.
Ask yourself
How can I keep remembrance of the Lord central while carrying out my duties?
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.