Narasimhadeva’s instructions (SB 07.10.01-23) – Balancing the aspiration for pure devotion with practical action
Lecture Summary: Overview of Srimad Bhagavatam 07.10.01-23:
- Narada sets the scene
- Please don’t tempt me
- “Do I tempt my devotees?” No, you want to demonstrate how your devotees don’t succumb to temptation
- “What are the qualities of the devotee?” Selfless servitorship
- “What are the qualities of the master?” Selfless lordship
- I want that selfless relationship with you
- If you want to fulfill any desire of mine, fulfill my desire for freedom from material desires
- “Why?” Desire destroys the resources that I can use for serving you
- Desirelessness makes one eligible for liberation [But I don’t want that]
10. [I simply want to be your servant] so I offer obeisances to my eternal Lord
11. The Lord speaks: My devotees such as you are selfless, but I want to reward them, so accept the kingdom for just one Manavantara
12. “Why are you punishing me like this?” Not a punishment, but a service. By being centered on Me, practice bhakti-yoga, not karma-yoga
13. “Will I not be bound by karma?” By bhakti, you will be jivan-mukta and eventually you will be videha-mukta
- 14. “Why do all this?” For benefitting others
15. -17. Please deliver my father
18. 21 generations already purified
19. Even place of living of devotee gets purified
20-21. Set an example for people
22. Do last rites for your father – by your devotion, he will attain sublime destination
23. Rule the kingdom on my behalf