Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.9.46
Mukti· LiberationChoose Devotional Service Over Spiritual Show
“O Supreme Personality of Godhead, there are ten prescribed methods on the path to liberation — to remain silent, not to speak to anyone, to observe vows, to amass all kinds of Vedic knowledge, to undergo austerities, to study the Vedas and other Vedic literatures, to execute the duties of varṇāśrama-dharma, to explain the śāstras, to stay in a solitary place, to chant mantras silently, and to be absorbed in trance. These different methods for liberation are generally only a professional practice and means of livelihood for those who have not conquered their senses. Because such persons are falsely proud, these procedures may not be successful.”
What the purport teaches
- Methods meant for liberation may become a livelihood or a display of pride when the senses remain uncontrolled. False pride alone cannot bring liberation.
- Complete, unalloyed devotional service to Kṛṣṇa uproots sinful actions as sunlight dissipates fog. Those fully surrendered to Him automatically achieve the results of the other methods.
- Real silence means not speaking foolishly, rather than merely stopping speech. One who speaks the Lord’s glories has no need to remain silent; active service is essential.
Try this today
Replace one unnecessary conversation today with a few moments of chanting the Lord’s glories.
Ask yourself
Is my spiritual practice directed toward serving Kṛṣṇa or toward appearing advanced?
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.