Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.9.25
Ūti· What drives us to actSeek Happiness in Surrender to Kṛṣṇa
“In this material world, every living entity desires some future happiness, which is exactly like a mirage in the desert. Where is water in the desert, or, in other words, where is happiness in this material world? As for this body, what is its value? It is merely a source of various diseases. The so-called philosophers, scientists and politicians know this very well, but nonetheless they aspire for temporary happiness. Happiness is very difficult to obtain, but because they are unable to control their senses, they run after the so-called happiness of the material world and never come to the right conclusion.”
What the purport teaches
- Material happiness is like a mirage in the desert. Plans for sense enjoyment are repeatedly frustrated and are destroyed in due course of time.
- Increasing plans for sense enjoyment cannot satisfy our desires, just as pouring ghee on a blazing fire cannot put it out. Such plans only increase the blazing fire of desires.
- Rather than seeking happiness through illusory plans, we should follow Lord Kṛṣṇa’s instruction to surrender to Him. The purport directs us to this surrender as the way to become happy.
Try this today
Pause one plan for unnecessary sense enjoyment today, and offer a short prayer asking Lord Kṛṣṇa to help you surrender to Him.
Ask yourself
Which desire am I feeding even though it has not brought lasting 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.