Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.9.24
Mukti· LiberationSeek Service, Not Material Opulence
“My dear Lord, now I have complete experience concerning the worldly opulence, mystic power, longevity and other material pleasures enjoyed by all living entities, from Lord Brahmā down to the ant. As powerful time, You destroy them all. Therefore, because of my experience, I do not wish to possess them. My dear Lord, I request You to place me in touch with Your pure devotee and let me serve him as a sincere servant.”
What the purport teaches
- Studying Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam helps us understand that material opulence and the body may perish at any time. The soul is eternal, so an intelligent person cares for the happiness of the spirit soul.
- To understand Kṛṣṇa in truth, one must serve a pure devotee. Prahlāda asks for this association and service rather than the wealth left by his father.
- Prahlāda rejects sense enjoyment, becoming one with the Supreme and mystic perfections. He simply wants to learn devotional service under the guidance of a pure devotee.
Try this today
Pray today to be placed in touch with a pure devotee and to receive the willingness to serve sincerely.
Ask yourself
Do I seek spiritual guidance mainly for personal rewards, or to become a sincere servant?
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.