Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 10
Dhruva’s Darśana, Transformative Prayers, and the Boon of the Dhruva-loka
Pole Star
या निर्वृतिस्तनुभृतां तव पादपद्म ध्यानाद्भवज्जनकथाश्रवणेन वा स्यात् । सा ब्रह्मणि स्वमहिमन्यपि नाथ मा भूत् किं त्वन्तकासिलुलितात्पततां विमानात् ॥ १० ॥
yā nirvṛtis tanu-bhṛtāṁ tava pāda-padma- dhyānād bhavaj-jana-kathā-śravaṇena vā syāt sā brahmaṇi sva-mahimany api nātha mā bhūt kiṁ tv antakāsi-lulitāt patatāṁ vimānāt
噢，主宰啊，众生或以观想你莲足，或从清净奉献者处聆听你的功德圣事，而得之超然喜乐无有边际，远远超越所谓梵乐（brahmānanda）——那种自以为融入无相梵的境界。既然奉爱之乐连梵乐亦能胜过，更何况升天的暂时欢愉；它终被时间之剑斩断，犹如从天车（vimāna）坠落，终归下堕。
The transcendental bliss derived from devotional service, primarily from śravaṇaṁ kīrtanam, hearing and chanting, cannot be compared to the happiness derived by karmīs by elevating themselves to the heavenly planets or by jñānīs or yogīs, who enjoy oneness with the supreme impersonal Brahman. Yogīs generally meditate upon the transcendental form of Viṣṇu, but devotees not only meditate upon Him but actually engage in the direct service of the Lord. In the previous verse we find the phrase bhavāpyaya, which refers to birth and death. The Lord can give relief from the chain of birth and death. It is a misunderstanding to think, as do the monists, that when one gets relief from the process of birth and death he merges into the Supreme Brahman. Here it is clearly said that the transcendental bliss derived from śravaṇaṁ kīrtanam by pure devotees cannot be compared to brahmānanda, or the impersonal conception of transcendental bliss derived by merging into the Absolute.
FAQs
This verse states that deep inner bliss (nirvṛti) arises from meditating on the Lord’s lotus feet, and it is equally attained by hearing the narrations of His devotees.
Dhruva values the devotional joy of remembering the Lord and hearing devotee-narrations so highly that he refuses impersonal liberation if it lacks that bhakti-rasa.
Regularly hear or read Srimad Bhagavatam and saintly teachings; this cultivates steady devotion and a higher taste that naturally reduces attraction to temporary achievements.