Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.22.27
Mukti· LiberationChoose Devotional Service Above Material Opulence
“Although aristocratic birth and other such opulences are impediments to advancement in devotional service because they are causes of false prestige and pride, these opulences never disturb a pure devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”
What the purport teaches
- High birth and other opulences can cause false prestige and obstruct devotional service. They do not bewilder a pure devotee fixed in serving the Lord.
- When Kuvera offered Dhruva Mahārāja a benediction, he asked to continue devotional service rather than receive more material opulence.
- The Lord need not deprive a steady devotee of wealth. He sometimes removes opulences gained through pious activities to remove pride or establish the devotee more fully in service.
Try this today
Offer a short prayer today asking to remain steady in devotional service rather than asking for more possessions.
Ask yourself
Do I value continued devotional service more than greater material comfort?
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.