Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.1.13-14
Mukti· LiberationConcentrate the Mind on Devotional Service
“To concentrate the mind, one must observe a life of celibacy and not fall down. One must undergo the austerity of voluntarily giving up sense enjoyment. One must then control the mind and senses, give charity, be truthful, clean and nonviolent, follow the regulative principles and regularly chant the holy name of the Lord. Thus a sober and faithful person who knows the religious principles is temporarily purified of all sins performed with his body, words and mind. These sins are like the dried leaves of creepers beneath a bamboo tree, which may be burned by fire although their roots remain to grow again at the first opportunity.”
What the purport teaches
- Austerity means controlling the mind and senses and concentrating them on one activity. Concentrating the mind on devotional service is first-class austerity.
- On the path of devotional service, begin by controlling the tongue. Chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, speak about Kṛṣṇa, and eat only food offered to Him.
- Religious disciplines can temporarily purify sins while leaving their roots able to grow again; devotional service is the completely perfect path. A sober person also learns to tolerate passing happiness and distress without being disturbed.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra with attention.
Ask yourself
Which habit of my tongue most needs to be directed toward Kṛṣṇa?
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.