Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.3.19
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionTake Shelter Through Devotional Service
“After worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, those who are interested in the four principles of religion, economic development, sense gratification and liberation obtain from Him what they desire. What then is to be said of other benedictions? Indeed, sometimes the Lord gives a spiritual body to such ambitious worshipers. May that Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is unlimitedly merciful, bestow upon me the benediction of liberation from this present danger and from the materialistic way of life.”
What the purport teaches
- Whether one desires no material profit, every material benefit or liberation, one should offer obedient devotional service to the Lord.
- Kṛṣṇa is situated in everyone's heart and reciprocates with those who surrender to Him. The Supreme Personality of Godhead does not disappoint anyone who takes shelter of His lotus feet.
- Gajendra sought release not only from his immediate danger but also from materialistic life. His prayer appeals to the Lord's unlimited mercy.
Try this today
Offer one prayer asking for freedom from materialistic life, not merely relief from a current difficulty.
Ask yourself
Do my prayers seek only relief from present trouble, or also freedom from materialistic life?
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.