Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.8.14
Ūti· What drives us to actWorship Requires an Attentive Heart
“When Mahārāja Bharata was actually worshiping the Lord or was engaged in some ritualistic ceremony, although his activities were unfinished, he would still, at intervals, get up and see where the deer was. In this way he would look for it, and when he could see that the deer was comfortably situated, his mind and heart would be very satisfied, and he would bestow his blessings upon the deer, saying, “My dear calf, may you be happy in all respects.””
What the purport teaches
- Bharata Mahārāja repeatedly interrupted his unfinished worship to look for the deer. Seeing it comfortable satisfied his mind and heart.
- His excessive affection made his mind restless even while worshiping the Deity. When he tried to meditate, he thought instead of the deer.
- If the mind is distracted from worship, a mere show of worship gives no benefit. His repeated interruptions showed that he had fallen from the spiritual platform.
Try this today
During a short period of worship today, put aside one avoidable distraction and keep your attention on the Lord.
Ask yourself
What repeatedly draws your mind away during worship?
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.