Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 8.19
Bhakti Binds Kṛṣṇa to His Devotee
“[The great sage Śukadeva said:] “My dear Mahārāja Parīkṣit, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Kṛṣṇa is always ready to help you. He is your master, guru, God, and very dear friend, and also the head of your family. Yet sometimes He agrees to act as your servant or order-carrier. You are greatly fortunate because this relationship is possible only by bhakti-yoga. The Lord can give liberation [mukti] very easily, but He does not very easily give one bhakti-yoga, because by that process He is bound to the devotee.””
What the purport teaches
- Bhakti-yoga establishes a relationship between Kṛṣṇa and His devotee. He acts as master, advisor, friend, family head, and even servant.
- Kṛṣṇa gives liberation very easily, but does not easily give bhakti-yoga because it binds Him to the devotee. For a devotee, liberation is not very important.
- A devotee should be attracted by the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana, who live in relationship with Kṛṣṇa. They serve Him through peaceful service, servitude, friendship, parental affection, and conjugal love.
Try this today
Reread the description of the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana and reflect on one way they serve Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
What draws me toward a relationship of service with Kṛṣṇa rather than liberation alone?
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.