Shloka 9
Nārada Instructs the Pracetās: Bhakti as the Goal of All Paths
नारद उवाच तज्जन्म तानि कर्माणि तदायुस्तन्मनो वच: । नृणां येन हि विश्वात्मा सेव्यते हरिरीश्वर: ॥ ९ ॥
nārada uvāca taj janma tāni karmāṇi tad āyus tan mano vacaḥ nṛṇāṁ yena hi viśvātmā sevyate harir īśvaraḥ
नारद उवाच—तज्जन्म तानि कर्माणि तदायुस्तन्मनो वचः। नृणां येन हि विश्वात्मा हरिरीश्वरः सेव्यते, तत्सर्वं सफलं भवति॥
In this verse the word nṛṇām is very important. There are many other births besides human birth, but Nārada Muni is herein especially speaking of human birth. Among human beings there are different types of men. Of these, those who are advanced in spiritual consciousness, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness, are called Āryans. Among Āryans, one who engages in the devotional service of the Lord is most successful in life. The word nṛṇām indicates that lower animals are not expected to engage in the devotional service of the Lord. But in perfect human society everyone should engage in the devotional service of the Lord. It does not matter whether one is born poor or rich, black or white. There may be so many material distinctions for one who takes birth in human society, but everyone should engage in the Lord’s devotional service. At the present moment civilized nations have given up God consciousness for economic development. They are actually no longer interested in advancing in God consciousness. Formerly their forefathers were engaged in executing religious principles. Whether one is Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish or whatever, everyone has some religious institution. Real religion, however, means becoming God conscious. It is particularly mentioned herein that birth is successful if an interest in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is taken. Activity is successful if it results in serving the Lord. Philosophical speculation or mental speculation is successful when engaged in understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The senses are worth possessing when engaged in the service of the Lord. Actually, devotional service means engaging the senses in the service of the Lord. At the present moment our senses are not purified; therefore our senses are engaged in the service of society, friendship, love, politics, sociology and so on. However, when the senses are engaged in the service of the Lord, one attains bhakti, or devotional service. In the next verse these matters will be more clearly explained.
FAQs
This verse states that birth, work, lifespan, mind, and speech become truly meaningful when they are used to serve Lord Hari, the Supreme Controller and Soul of all.
Nārada instructed the Pracetās to define success not by worldly achievements but by devotion—aligning their life, actions, and words for service to the Supreme Lord.
Use your daily work, time, thoughts, and speech to support devotion—chanting, remembering God, speaking truthfully and kindly, and offering the results of your actions in service to Hari.