Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.2.24-25
Mukti· LiberationDevotional Service Transcends Material Religion
“After hearing the discourses between the Yamadūtas and the Viṣṇudūtas, Ajāmila could understand the religious principles that act under the three modes of material nature. These principles are mentioned in the three Vedas. He could also understand the transcendental religious principles, which are above the modes of material nature and which concern the relationship between the living being and the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Furthermore, Ajāmila heard glorification of the name, fame, qualities and pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He thus became a perfectly pure devotee. He could then remember his past sinful activities, which he greatly regretted having performed.”
What the purport teaches
- Vedic principles provide a gradual path to spiritual life, but attachment to material religious purposes holds one back. Kṛṣṇa therefore advises devotional service, which is transcendental religion.
- The living being is eternally related to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and the living being's duty is to surrender to Him. Devotional service frees one from impediments and brings complete satisfaction.
- By hearing glorification of the Lord, Ajāmila became a pure devotee. He then regretted his past materialistic activities and glorified the Lord's name, fame, form and pastimes.
Try this today
Read the verse's translation aloud, attending carefully to the purpose of devotional service.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking material profit from religion, or a deeper relationship of service to the Lord?
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.