Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.6.26
Āśraya· The supreme shelterFull Surrender Is Life’s Ultimate Goal
“Religion, economic development and sense gratification — these are described in the Vedas as tri-varga, or three ways to salvation. Within these three categories are education and self-realization; ritualistic ceremonies performed according to Vedic injunction; logic; the science of law and order; and the various means of earning one’s livelihood. These are the external subject matters of study in the Vedas, and therefore I consider them material. However, I consider surrender to the lotus feet of Lord Viṣṇu to be transcendental.”
What the purport teaches
- One who fully engages in unfailing devotional service immediately rises above the modes of material nature. This is the spiritual platform called the brahma-bhūta stage.
- Material activities are not life’s ultimate goal, even when sanctioned by the Vedas. The goal of human life is to remain on the spiritual platform, fully surrendered to the Supreme Person.
- Vedic ceremonies and injunctions should not be discounted, because they are means of spiritual advancement. But duties that do not awaken attraction for the Lord’s message and lead to surrender are only wasted time and energy.
Try this today
Read a short passage of the Lord’s teachings today, then pray to Lord Viṣṇu for help in surrendering to His service.
Ask yourself
Are my religious activities helping me develop attraction for the Lord’s message and surrender to Him?
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.