Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 17.76
Pure Devotional Service Satisfies Kṛṣṇa
“[The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, said:] ‘My dear Uddhava, neither through aṣṭāṅga-yoga [the mystic yoga system to control the senses], nor through impersonal monism or an analytical study of the Absolute Truth, nor through study of the Vedas, nor through austerities, charity or acceptance of sannyāsa can one satisfy Me as much as by developing unalloyed devotional service unto Me.’”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa says that yoga, study, austerities, charity and acceptance of sannyāsa cannot satisfy Him as much as unalloyed devotional service.
- One can understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead as He is only by devotional service. Without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, other pursuits do not bring the final benefit.
- Attachment to the impersonal feature makes advancement very troublesome. Understanding the Absolute Truth requires understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the original source of Brahman and Paramātmā.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today for devotional service, with the intention of satisfying Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking to understand Kṛṣṇa through devotional service, or relying only on study and speculation?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.