Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.1.2
Ūti· What drives us to actChoose Liberation Over Higher Material Positions
“O great sage Śukadeva Gosvāmī, unless the living entity is freed from the infection of the material modes of nature, he receives different types of bodies in which to enjoy or suffer, and according to the body, he is understood to have various inclinations. By following these inclinations he traverses the path called pravṛtti-mārga, by which one may be elevated to the heavenly planets, as you have already described [in the Third Canto].”
What the purport teaches
- The modes of material nature give living entities different tendencies and destinations. Material attachment keeps them wandering through higher and lower planetary systems.
- Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, declares that those who worship Him come to Him. Reaching His abode ends the need to return to this material world.
- By the mercy of Kṛṣṇa and a bona fide spiritual master, a fortunate soul receives the seed of devotional service. Taking the path of liberation means returning home, back to Godhead, rather than continuing to wander.
Try this today
Write down one material ambition and reflect on how its goal differs from returning to Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking only a better material position, or freedom from repeated birth and death?
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.