Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.17.31
Mukti· LiberationDevotion Naturally Brings Knowledge and Detachment
“Persons engaged in devotional service to Lord Vāsudeva, Kṛṣṇa, have naturally perfect knowledge and detachment from this material world. Therefore such devotees are not interested in the so-called happiness or so-called distress of this world.”
What the purport teaches
- Unalloyed devotional service to Vāsudeva, Kṛṣṇa, naturally brings knowledge and detachment. A devotee need not cultivate these separately.
- Through devotion, one understands the temporary nature of the material world. Therefore its so-called happiness and distress no longer become one’s interest or shelter.
- Speculative knowledge remains imperfect without taking shelter of Vāsudeva. The Absolute Truth is easier to understand through devotion than through speculation alone.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, consciously make pleasing Vāsudeva your purpose rather than seeking a material benefit.
Ask yourself
Am I taking shelter of Vāsudeva, or relying only on my own understanding?
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.