Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.9.39
Ūti· What drives us to actChanting Cleanses the Disturbed Mind
“My dear Lord of the Vaikuṇṭha planets, where there is no anxiety, my mind is extremely sinful and lusty, being sometimes so-called happy and sometimes so-called distressed. My mind is full of lamentation and fear, and it always seeks more and more money. Thus it has become most polluted and is never satisfied in topics concerning You. I am therefore most fallen and poor. In such a status of life, how shall I be able to discuss Your activities?”
What the purport teaches
- Prahlāda Mahārāja speaks on behalf of fallen souls, not because he is materially contaminated. He asks how a mind disturbed by material desires can understand the Lord’s activities.
- Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, relieves those who surrender to Him of sinful reactions. Activities disconnected from Kṛṣṇa consciousness pollute the mind.
- In this Age of Kali, chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra is the only method for cleansing the sinful mind. Absorption in thought of Kṛṣṇa purifies us and enables us to understand Him and His activities.
Try this today
Chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra for a few minutes today, gently returning your attention to the holy name when your mind wanders.
Ask yourself
Which recurring desire or fear distracts me from hearing about Kṛṣṇa?
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.