Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.3.13
Ūti· What drives us to actAsk Only for Loving Service
“Dear Lord, here is the great King Nābhi, whose ultimate goal in life is to have a son like You. Your Lordship, his position is like that of a person approaching a very rich man and begging for a little grain. Mahārāja Nābhi is so desirous of having a son that he is worshiping You for a son, although You can offer him any exalted position, including elevation to the heavenly planets or liberation back to Godhead.”
What the purport teaches
- The priests felt ashamed that such a great sacrifice was performed merely to ask for a son. The Lord could offer far more, including return to Godhead.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu taught that an intelligent devotee does not ask the Supreme Lord for material wealth, family or followers.
- A pure devotee wants only perpetual loving service to the Lord. Even birth after birth is acceptable if one remains His devotee.
Try this today
Offer one prayer today asking only for the opportunity to serve the Lord lovingly.
Ask yourself
Do my prayers place loving service above material blessings?
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.