Smart Quote of the Day, February 7, 2020

“…if one tries to reach the destination of Krishna, that is the perfection of life. Krishna should be the target; everyone should try to reach Krishna, from any position of life.”

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This is from the Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.15.67

[This chapter of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, entitled “Instructions for Civilized Human Beings,” relates a conversation between the sage Narada and King Yudhisthira. Yudhisthira has asked Narada how a common man may achieve the perfection of life. Here, Narada concludes his advice to the king.]

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 Krishna. Thus, even while at home, one will be able to reach the destination.

PURPORT:

The ultimate goal of life is Vishnu, Krishna. Therefore, either by Vedic regulative principles or by materialistic activities, if one tries to reach the destination of Krishna, that is the perfection of life. Krishna should be the target; everyone should try to reach Krishna, from any position of life.

Krishna 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 Krishna 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 Krishna. A grhastha, a householder, can also reach Krishna, provided he becomes a pure devotee without material desires. An example of this is cited in the next verse.


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