Srimad Bhagavatam 07.15.67 - Even A Grihastha Can Perfect His Life (download mp3)
by Jagannath Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty
www.iskcondesiretree.net
SB 7.15.67
etair anyais ca vedoktair
vartamanah sva-karmabhih
grhe 'py asya gatim yayad
rajams tad-bhakti-bhan narah
etair anyais ca vedoktair
vartamanah sva-karmabhih
grhe 'py asya gatim yayad
rajams tad-bhakti-bhan narah
Translation:
O King, one should perform his occupational duties according to these instructions, as well as other instructions given in the Vedic literature, just to remain a devotee of Lord Krsna. Thus, even while at home, one will be able to reach the destination.
The ultimate goal of life is Visnu, Krsna. Therefore, either by Vedic regulative principles or by materialistic activities, if one tries to reach the destination of Krsna, that is the perfection of life. Krsna should be the target; everyone should try to reach Krsna, from any position of life.
Krsna accepts service from anyone. The Lord says in Bhagavad-gita (9.32):
mam hi partha vyapasritya
ye 'pi syuh papa-yonayah
striyo vaisyas tatha sudras
te 'pi yanti param gatim
"O son of Prtha, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth—women, vaisyas [merchants], as well as sudras [workers]—can approach the supreme destination." It does not matter what one's position is; if one aims at reaching Krsna by performing his occupational duty under the direction of the spiritual master, his life is successful. It is not that only sannyasis, vanaprasthas and brahmacaris can reach Krsna. A grhastha, a householder, can also reach Krsna, provided he becomes a pure devotee without material desires. An example of this is cited in the next verse.
