Copyright (c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
| Canto 7: The Science of God | Chapter 15: Instructions for Civilized Human Beings |
Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam 7.15.67
etair anyais ca vedoktair
SYNONYMS
etaih -- by these ways; anyaih -- by other ways; ca -- and; veda-uktaih -- as directed in the Vedic literatures; vartamanah -- abiding; sva-karmabhih -- by one's occupational duties; grihe api -- even at home; asya -- of Lord Krishna; gatim -- destination; yayat -- can reach; rajan -- O King; tat-bhakti-bhak -- who renders devotional service unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead; narah -- any person.
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):
striyo vaisyas tatha sudras
"O son of Pritha, 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 grihastha, 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.
Copyright (c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness