Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.3.25
Ūti· What drives us to actSeek Devotion, Not Temporary Ritual Rewards
“Because they are bewildered by the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Yājñavalkya and Jaimini and other compilers of the religious scriptures cannot know the secret, confidential religious system of the twelve mahājanas. They cannot understand the transcendental value of performing devotional service or chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Because their minds are attracted to the ritualistic ceremonies mentioned in the Vedas — especially the Yajur Veda, Sāma Veda and Ṛg Veda — their intelligence has become dull. Thus they are busy collecting the ingredients for ritualistic ceremonies that yield only temporary benefits, such as elevation to Svargaloka for material happiness. They are not attracted to the saṅkīrtana movement; instead, they are interested in dharma, artha, kāma and mokṣa.”
What the purport teaches
- The real purpose of studying the Vedas is to approach the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Attraction to grand rituals and temporary heavenly happiness can obscure the value of devotional service.
- Saṅkīrtana is meant for pure devotees interested in pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Especially in the Age of Kali, saṅkīrtana alone is sufficient for perfection.
- Although saṅkīrtana is sufficient, Deity worship and regulative principles help devotees remain clean and pure. Śrīla Prabhupāda therefore teaches that Deity worship and saṅkīrtana should continue together.
Try this today
Spend two minutes chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra with the intention of pleasing Kṛṣṇa rather than seeking a material reward.
Ask yourself
Am I more attracted to outward grandeur and temporary benefits, or to pleasing 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.