Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.19.20
Mukti· LiberationDevotional Service Is Actual Liberation
“After many, many births, when the results of one’s pious activities mature, one gets an opportunity to associate with pure devotees. Then one is able to cut the knot of bondage to ignorance, which bound him because of varied fruitive activities. As a result of associating with devotees, one gradually renders service to Lord Vāsudeva, who is transcendental, free from attachment to the material world, beyond the mind and words, and independent of everything else. That bhakti-yoga, devotional service to Lord Vāsudeva, is the real path of liberation.”
What the purport teaches
- Association with pure devotees gives the opportunity to cut the bondage of ignorance. Through that association, one gradually renders devotional service to Lord Vāsudeva.
- Brahman realization begins liberation, and Paramātmā realization is further advancement. Real liberation means understanding oneself as an eternal servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Spiritual realization brings joy and equal regard for living beings. When the mind is engaged at the Lord’s lotus feet, attraction to material activities fades and one becomes established in spiritual, blissful service.
Try this today
Set aside one minute to remember the Lord’s lotus feet and your position as His eternal servant.
Ask yourself
How would remembering that I am the Lord’s eternal servant change my priorities today?
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.