Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.14.45
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRemember the Lord and Seek His Service
“Even though in the body of a deer, Mahārāja Bharata did not forget the Supreme Personality of Godhead; therefore when he was giving up the body of a deer, he loudly uttered the following prayer: “The Supreme Personality of Godhead is sacrifice personified. He gives the results of ritualistic activity. He is the protector of religious systems, the personification of mystic yoga, the source of all knowledge, the controller of the entire creation, and the Supersoul in every living entity. He is beautiful and attractive. I am quitting this body offering obeisances unto Him and hoping that I may perpetually engage in His transcendental loving service.” Uttering this, Mahārāja Bharata left his body.”
What the purport teaches
- Whatever path of spiritual realization we accept, the ultimate goal is Nārāyaṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Living entities are eternally connected with Him through devotional service.
- The perfection of life is to remember Nārāyaṇa at the time of death. Even in a deer’s body, Mahārāja Bharata remembered Him and prayed to remain engaged in His transcendental loving service.
- Bharata next took birth in a brāhmaṇa family and remained perfectly Kṛṣṇa conscious. The purpose of yoga is to connect with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, not to display material perfections.
Try this today
Today, pause to offer obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and pray for continued engagement in His loving service.
Ask yourself
How can Bharata’s prayer help me place loving service above the desire for material achievements?
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.