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 7.15.73
susrushayanushangena
SYNONYMS
tavat -- since being cursed; dasyam -- in the womb of a maidservant; aham -- I; jajne -- took birth; tatrapi -- although (being a sudra); brahma-vadinam -- unto persons well conversant with the Vedic knowledge; susrushaya -- by rendering service; anushangena -- simultaneously; praptah -- obtained; aham -- I; brahma-putratam -- a birth as the son of Lord Brahma (in this life).
TRANSLATION
Although I took birth as a sudra from the womb of a maidservant, I engaged in the service of Vaishnavas who were well-versed in Vedic knowledge. Consequently, in this life I got the opportunity to take birth as the son of Lord Brahma.
PURPORT
The Supreme Personality of Godhead 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 doesn't matter whether a person is born as a sudra, a woman or a vaisya; if he associates with devotees repeatedly or always (sadhu-sangena), he can be elevated to the highest perfection. Narada Muni is explaining this in relation to his own life. The sankirtana movement is important, for regardless of whether one is a sudra, vaisya, mleccha, yavana or whatever, if one associates with a pure devotee, follows his instructions and serves the pure devotee, his life is successful. This is bhakti. Anukulyena krishnanusilanam. Bhakti consists of serving Krishna and His devotees very favorably. Anyabhilashita-sunyam [Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu 1.1.11]. If one has no desire other than to serve Krishna and His devotee, then his life is successful. This is explained by Narada Muni through this practical example from his own life.
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