Prabhupada Priya Devi Dasi | Why Even Demigods Long for Earthly Birth

Srimad Bhagavatam 5.19.25-31 | Prabhpad Priya Devi Dasi | October 10, 2024 - YouTubeIn this lecture, Prabhupada Priya Devi Dasi discusses *Srimad Bhagavatam*, Canto 5, Chapter 19, particularly verses 25 to 31, which explore the significance of human birth on Earth, especially in the sacred land of Bharat Varsha (India), for attaining spiritual liberation. She explains that Earth, or Bharat Varsha, offers the best conditions for practicing devotional service (bhakti) and escaping the cycles of karma (material actions) and reincarnation. Unlike heavenly or hellish realms, where souls merely exhaust accumulated karma, Earth provides a unique opportunity for individuals to choose their destiny and strive toward liberation. Prabhupada Priya Devi Dasi describes the demigods’ desire to be reborn on Earth, despite enjoying extensive pleasures in the heavenly planets. They realize that true progress and liberation come only through devotional service to Krishna. She emphasizes that while karma grants worldly experiences, only devotional service frees the soul, as it purifies desires and awakens the higher self’s longing to serve Krishna. She notes that while many people worship demigods for material desires, Krishna mercifully fulfills these desires but in a way that ultimately helps the devotee transcend material attachments. Using the story of Dhruva Maharaja, she illustrates how Krishna’s kindness transforms material desire into spiritual devotion, leading Dhruva to recognize that worldly achievements are insignificant compared to the invaluable treasure of Krishna’s love. Prabhupada Priya Devi Dasi concludes by highlighting Krishna's compassion: even when devotees hold material desires, He fulfills them in ways that purify and draw them closer to His service. Krishna, knowing each soul's true needs, uses every desire as a path to deepen the soul's relationship with Him, guiding them towards spiritual realization and eternal happiness in His divine service.