Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 27
Bhakti as the Supreme Process; Detachment and the Rudiments of Meditation
विषयान् ध्यायतश्चित्तं विषयेषु विषज्जते । मामनुस्मरतश्चित्तं मय्येव प्रविलीयते ॥ २७ ॥
viṣayān dhyāyataś cittaṁ viṣayeṣu viṣajjate mām anusmarataś cittaṁ mayy eva pravilīyate
ವಿಷಯಗಳನ್ನು ಧ್ಯಾನಿಸುವವನ ಚಿತ್ತವು ವಿಷಯಗಳಲ್ಲೇ ಸಿಲುಕುತ್ತದೆ; ಆದರೆ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ನಿರಂತರ ಸ್ಮರಿಸುವವನ ಚಿತ್ತವು ನನ್ನಲ್ಲೇ ಲೀನವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ।
One should not think that one can attain complete transcendental knowledge of Kṛṣṇa by mechanically engaging in worship of the Lord. Lord Kṛṣṇa states here that one must endeavor constantly to keep the Lord within one’s mind. Anusmarataḥ, or constant remembrance, is possible for one who always chants and hears the glories of Lord Kṛṣṇa. It is therefore stated, śravaṇam, kīrtanam, smaraṇam: the process of devotional service begins with hearing ( śravaṇam ) and chanting ( kīrtanam ), from which remembrance ( smaraṇam ) develops. One who constantly thinks of the objects of material gratification becomes attached to them; similarly, one who constantly keeps Lord Kṛṣṇa within his mind becomes absorbed in the Lord’s transcendental nature and thus becomes qualified to render personal service to the Lord in His own abode.
FAQs
This verse states that the mind becomes bound by whatever it repeatedly contemplates—sense-objects create attachment, while remembrance of Kṛṣṇa makes the mind rest and dissolve in Him.
Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on the inner mechanics of bondage and liberation: attention to sense-objects strengthens material absorption, whereas steady remembrance of the Lord leads to spiritual absorption and freedom.
Reduce deliberate rumination on temptations (feeds, fantasies, comparisons) and replace it with repeated remembrance—japa, kīrtana, reading Bhagavatam, and offering daily actions to Kṛṣṇa—so the mind naturally shifts its attachment.