Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.18.2
Mukti· LiberationPut Self-Realization Before Material Power
“When one enters the post of king or head of the government, one cannot understand the meaning of self-realization. Knowing this, Yati, the eldest son of Nahuṣa, did not accept the power to rule, although it was offered by his father.”
What the purport teaches
- Yati declined the kingdom offered by his father because he knew that royal power would hinder self-realization.
- Self-realization is the prime objective of human civilization. Spiritually advanced people accept only the bare necessities for spiritual advancement, rather than seeking material opulence.
- Regardless of one's material qualities, regularly hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from a self-realized soul frees one from material bondage. Mahārāja Parīkṣit attained perfection through such hearing despite his political involvement.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes today to hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and give it your full attention.
Ask yourself
What pursuit of status or comfort competes with your time for spiritual hearing?
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.