Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.12.16
Mukti· LiberationDevotee Association Awakens Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
“Simply by associating with exalted devotees, anyone can attain perfection of knowledge and with the sword of knowledge can cut to pieces the illusory associations within this material world. Through the association of devotees, one can engage in the service of the Lord by hearing and chanting [śravaṇaṁ kīrtanam]. Thus one can revive his dormant Kṛṣṇa consciousness and, sticking to the cultivation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, return home, back to Godhead, even in this life.”
What the purport teaches
- Freedom from material bondage requires both giving up worldly association and accepting devotees’ association. Knowledge gained in this association cuts through illusion.
- With devotees, one serves the Lord by hearing and chanting. This awakens the Kṛṣṇa consciousness already dormant within.
- Steadily cultivating Kṛṣṇa consciousness allows one to return home, back to Godhead, even in this life. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement offers shelter for this cultivation.
Try this today
Spend a few minutes today hearing or chanting about the Lord in the association of devotees.
Ask yourself
What change in my association would help me hear and chant more steadily?
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.