Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.19.22
Ūti· What drives us to actChoose Kṛṣṇa Over Heavenly Enjoyment
“The demigods continue: After performing the very difficult tasks of executing Vedic ritualistic sacrifices, undergoing austerities, observing vows and giving charity, we have achieved this position as inhabitants of the heavenly planets. But what is the value of this achievement? Here we are certainly very engaged in material sense gratification, and therefore we can hardly remember the lotus feet of Lord Nārāyaṇa. Indeed, because of our excessive sense gratification, we have almost forgotten His lotus feet.”
What the purport teaches
- The demigods regret that excessive sense gratification has made them almost forget Lord Nārāyaṇa’s lotus feet. They question the value of heavenly elevation gained through difficult sacrifices, austerities, vows and charity.
- Heavenly enjoyment is temporary. When the results of pious activities expire, one returns to lower planetary systems and again experiences birth and death.
- One who becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious can return to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The goal is to follow His instructions and live eternally in His company, rather than seek a higher standard of material enjoyment.
Try this today
Pause one activity meant only for enjoyment today and spend that minute remembering Lord Nārāyaṇa’s lotus feet.
Ask yourself
Is any pursuit of enjoyment making it harder for me to remember the Lord?
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.