Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.14.40
Ūti· What drives us to actEnvy Prevents Worship From Pleasing the Lord
“Sometimes a neophyte devotee offers all the paraphernalia for worshiping the Lord, and he factually worships the Lord as the Deity, but because he is envious of the authorized devotees of Lord Viṣṇu, the Lord is never satisfied with his devotional service.”
What the purport teaches
- A beginner may worship the Lord as the Deity with faith and all the required offerings. Yet the Lord is not satisfied if that devotee envies His authorized devotees.
- Deity worship is especially meant to purify beginners, but preaching the Lord’s glories is more important. One who wants recognition from the Supreme Personality of Godhead should preach His glories.
- Those who worship the Deity must be extremely respectful to preachers. Without this respect, Deity worship alone keeps one in the lower stage of devotion.
Try this today
Offer one sincere expression of appreciation to someone who shares the Lord’s glories.
Ask yourself
Do I sincerely respect those who preach the Lord’s glories, or do I allow envy to interfere?
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.