Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.8.31
Mukti· LiberationSeek Purification Through Devotional Service
“Remaining in that āśrama, the great King Bharata Mahārāja was now very careful not to fall victim to bad association. Without disclosing his past to anyone, he remained in that āśrama and ate dry leaves only. He was not exactly alone, for he had the association of the Supersoul. In this way he waited for death in the body of a deer. Bathing in that holy place, he finally gave up that body.”
What the purport teaches
- Bharata Mahārāja carefully avoided bad association while remaining in the āśrama in his deer body. He was not truly alone, for the Supersoul was his companion.
- Holy places are especially meant for devotional service. Vṛndāvana is the most exalted and preferred holy place for Vaiṣṇava devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa who aspire to return back to Godhead.
- Constantly chanting and hearing the holy names and pastimes of the Supreme Lord purifies one and makes one fit for liberation. Yet deliberately giving in to sense gratification brings punishment, at least for one lifetime, as Bharata Mahārāja experienced.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes today to chant Kṛṣṇa’s holy names attentively, putting aside one distraction.
Ask yourself
Which associations help me remember Kṛṣṇa and remain steady in devotional service?
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.