Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.5.23-24 · one of the 108 chosen verses
Mukti· LiberationNine Processes of Pure Devotional Service
“Prahlāda Mahārāja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Viṣṇu, remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one’s best friend, and surrendering everything unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words) — these nine processes are accepted as pure devotional service. One who has dedicated his life to the service of Kṛṣṇa through these nine methods should be understood to be the most learned person, for he has acquired complete knowledge.”
What the purport teaches
- The nine processes are hearing, chanting, remembering, serving the Lord’s lotus feet, worshiping, praying, becoming His servant, considering Him one’s best friend, and surrendering everything to Him. A person dedicated to serving Kṛṣṇa through these methods has complete knowledge.
- Pure devotional service means acting for the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, without desire for material gain. The devotee first surrenders body, mind and words, then uses them in His service.
- Everyone can offer devotional service to the Lord. Even one of these nine processes, performed without deviation, is sufficient to attain His mercy.
Try this today
Spend five minutes reading aloud and hearing a description of Kṛṣṇa from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, with the intention of pleasing Him.
Ask yourself
Which of these nine processes can I practice sincerely for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction?
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.