Entanglement, Liberation and Pure Love

Chapter 10, 11, 12

Sukadeva Goswami continued narrating the instructions of Krishna to Uddhava.

All forms of material enjoyment, even to the point of heavenly pleasures, are limited, temporary and full of duality. In the futile pursuance of such experiences, one degrades himself more and more. The entangled spirit soul begins the journey ‘back to purity’ after receiving transcendental knowledge from a spiritual master. By cultivating the mood and qualities of a true disciple, following transcendental instructions and engaging one’s propensities within the Varnasrama system, one gains release from material entanglement.

Like two birds in a tree, the Lord and living entity reside within the body. The Lord is eternally liberated, sitting as an observer, while the conditioned soul perpetually tries to enjoy the fruits of the tree. When the soul is awakened to real knowledge he becomes liberated, and even though residing within the body, becomes completely detached from the enjoying spirit, never considering himself the ‘doer.’

The ultimate purpose of material detachment and Vedic study is to usher one into a loving relationship with the Lord. Such connection with the Lord, and the subsequent practice of devotional activities, causes numerous saintly qualities to manifest in one’s character. The most essential quality is surrender to Krishna, since it triggers all subsequent qualities to automatically appear.

In conclusion, Krishna glorified the Vrindavana gopis, whose standard of love is beyond compare. Their deep attachment meant that every moment was spent in consciousness of Krishna. More important than gaining volumes of knowledge, Krishna explained, is to follow in their footsteps and develop a similar intensity of surrender and devotion.