Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.8.13
Ūti· What drives us to actRemember That Everything Is for Kṛṣṇa
“When entering the forest, the animal would appear very attractive to Mahārāja Bharata due to its childish behavior. Mahārāja Bharata would even take the deer on his shoulders and carry it due to affection. His heart was so filled with great love for the deer that he would sometimes keep it on his lap or, when sleeping, on his chest. In this way he felt great pleasure in fondling the animal.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Bharata had left his home, family and kingdom to advance spiritually. Yet he again became caught in material affection through the pet deer.
- One who is serious about spiritual advancement should be very cautious not to become attached to anything but Kṛṣṇa.
- Material activities may be necessary for preaching, but we should remember that everything is for Kṛṣṇa. This remembrance protects us from being victimized by those activities.
Try this today
Before one activity today, pause and consider how to do it for Kṛṣṇa rather than for personal attachment.
Ask yourself
How can you remember Kṛṣṇa's purpose while carrying out your activities?
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.