Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.19.7
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionDevotion, Not Status, Wins the Lord’s Friendship
“One cannot establish a friendship with the Supreme Lord Rāmacandra on the basis of material qualities such as one’s birth in an aristocratic family, one’s personal beauty, one’s eloquence, one’s sharp intelligence or one’s superior race or nation. None of these qualifications is actually a prerequisite for friendship with Lord Śrī Rāmacandra. Otherwise how is it possible that although we uncivilized inhabitants of the forest have not taken noble births, although we have no physical beauty and although we cannot speak like gentlemen, Lord Rāmacandra has nevertheless accepted us as friends?”
What the purport teaches
- High birth, wealth, beauty and education are not necessary for friendship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. When used by a devotee in His service, these qualities are properly utilized.
- Devotion and a sincere desire to serve are the only qualifications for attaining the Lord. Pride in material advantages can keep us from developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Shelter at Lord Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet is attainable only by pure devotional service. This means serving Him favorably, without desire for material profit or gain.
Try this today
Choose one ability or resource you have and use it today in a small service to Kṛṣṇa, without seeking recognition.
Ask yourself
Do I rely on my material qualifications, or on a sincere desire to serve 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.