Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.2.17
Mukti· LiberationDevotional Service Uproots Material Desires
“Although one may neutralize the reactions of sinful life through austerity, charity, vows and other such methods, these pious activities cannot uproot the material desires in one’s heart. However, if one serves the lotus feet of the Personality of Godhead, he is immediately freed from all such contaminations.”
What the purport teaches
- Austerity, charity and vows can neutralize sinful reactions, but they cannot uproot material desires from the heart.
- Material desire means sense gratification, which involves sinful action. Pure bhakti is free from such desires.
- Service to the lotus feet of the Personality of Godhead frees the heart from contamination. Without this purification, material desires reappear and lead again to sinful action and suffering.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, pause and make serving the Lord—not personal enjoyment—your intention.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking only relief from consequences, or also freedom from the desires behind them?
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.