Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.12.8
Nirodha· Winding upUnderstand Kṛṣṇa and Serve With His Energies
“All of us on the surface of the globe are living entities in different forms. Some of us are moving and some not moving. All of us come into existence, remain for some time and are annihilated when the body is again mingled with the earth. We are all simply different transformations of the earth. Different bodies and capacities are simply transformations of the earth that exist in name only, for everything grows out of the earth and when everything is annihilated it again mingles with the earth. In other words, we are but dust, and we shall but be dust. Everyone can consider this point.”
What the purport teaches
- Material bodies appear, remain for some time and return to the earth. Their different forms and capacities are temporary transformations.
- The cosmic manifestation is a transformation of the energies of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Perfect knowledge reaches Kṛṣṇa, the cause of all causes, rather than stopping at His energies.
- When material energy is engaged in the service of the Supreme Spirit, it becomes spiritual, like an iron rod placed in fire. Our understanding should therefore center on Kṛṣṇa, with His energies engaged in His service.
Try this today
Use a material resource you already have, such as your phone, to read about Kṛṣṇa today as an act of devotional service.
Ask yourself
How can I use something I possess in Kṛṣṇa’s service rather than seeing it only as material?
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.