Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.14.44
Mukti· LiberationLoving Service Surpasses Even Liberation
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: My dear King, the activities of Bharata Mahārāja are wonderful. He gave up everything difficult for others to give up. He gave up his kingdom, his wife and his family. His opulence was so great that even the demigods envied it, yet he gave it up. It was quite befitting a great personality like him to be a great devotee. He could renounce everything because he was so attracted to the beauty, opulence, reputation, knowledge, strength and renunciation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa is so attractive that one can give up all desirable things for His sake. Indeed, even liberation is considered insignificant for those whose minds are attracted to the loving service of the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- Bharata Mahārāja could renounce extraordinary opulence because he was attracted to Kṛṣṇa’s qualities. Attachment to possessions instead strengthens the illusion of “I and mine.”
- For one attracted to the Lord’s loving service, even liberation becomes insignificant. A devotee is satisfied serving Kṛṣṇa in any condition, whether reborn or not.
- One who serves Kṛṣṇa with body, mind, intelligence, and words is liberated even within this world. Such a devotee desires to help others understand that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Use your words today to share with one willing person that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and that loving service to Him is life’s goal.
Ask yourself
Can I value service to Kṛṣṇa more than a change in my circumstances?
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.