SB 04.22.25 - How to increase our inclination for devotional service
Bhagavat-Sangi-Sangasya
SB 04.22.25 - How to increase our inclination for devotional service
harer muhus tatpara-karṇa-pūra-
bhaktyā hy asaṅgaḥ sad-asaty anātmani
syān nirguṇe brahmaṇi cāñjasā ratiḥ
TRANSLATION
The devotee should gradually increase the culture of devotional service by constant hearing of the transcendental qualities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. These pastimes are like ornamental decorations on the ears of devotees. By rendering devotional service and transcending the material qualities, one can easily be fixed in transcendence in the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Let us focus on just first statement of the translation of this verse. ‘Culture of devotional service’ can be treated as ‘propensity or inclination for devotional service’. What is devotional service? Devotional service is nothing but any activity-mental or physical, which reminds us of our actual position of a servant (das) of Krishna & His devotees. Please note that devotional service is not an activity done because of our slavery under Krishna, rather it is an activity done out of our love- without even desire of slightest of reciprocation from Krishna.
Only fortunate people can get the opportunity to do devotional service or seva. So the subject matter of first statement is- how a person who is currently doing seva occasionally can get more inclination towards it? The answer to this is ‘constant hearing of the transcendental qualities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’. This is the key- constant hearing (muhus). We must hear about the wonderful qualities & pastimes of Lord Krishna from His pure selfless devotees in order to develop more inclination towards seva which is our constitutional position. The same principle is also discussed in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1, Chapter 7 and Verse no. 7.
