Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.17.11
Sthāna· The universe in orderChoose Devotional Service Over Heavenly Enjoyment
“Among the nine varṣas, the tract of land known as Bhārata-varṣa is understood to be the field of fruitive activities. Learned scholars and saintly persons declare the other eight varṣas to be meant for very highly elevated pious persons. After returning from the heavenly planets, they enjoy the remaining results of their pious activities in these eight earthly varṣas.”
What the purport teaches
- Bhārata-varṣa is the field of fruitive activities. The other eight varṣas offer enjoyment of the remaining results of pious activities after a return from heaven.
- Intelligent persons take to devotional service rather than wander up and down throughout the universes. Their goal is the spiritual kingdom, not temporary heavenly pleasure.
- A bona fide guru represents Kṛṣṇa and distributes His instructions without change. Pure devotional service means serving Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, favorably, simply to please Him.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, pause and set the intention to please Kṛṣṇa rather than gain a material reward.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking material rewards, or learning to serve Kṛṣṇa simply to please Him?
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.