Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.12.15
Mukti· LiberationSincere Devotional Service Never Goes in Vain
“My dear heroic King, due to my past sincere service to the Lord, I could remember everything of my past life even while in the body of a deer. Because I am aware of the falldown in my past life, I always keep myself separate from the association of ordinary men. Being afraid of their bad, materialistic association, I wander alone unnoticed by others.”
What the purport teaches
- Devotional service to the Lord never goes in vain. Through his past sincere service, Bharata Mahārāja remembered his previous life even in a deer’s body.
- The mind’s absorption at death can lead one to an animal birth. Yet Bharata Mahārāja retained remembrance of his spiritual position and the cause of his downfall.
- He carefully avoided bad, materialistic association. His service was not lost, and he received another birth in a family of very pure brāhmaṇas.
Try this today
Avoid one instance of materialistic association today that you know weakens your devotional service.
Ask yourself
How does knowing that sincere service is never lost encourage me to continue carefully?
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.