Explanation of Devotional Service by Lord Kapila
In his final teachings to Devahuti, Lord Kapila distinguished pure devotion from mixed or misguided practices. He explained that devotion motivated by material gain, reputation, or liberation remains tainted by selfishness. Pure bhakti is performed solely for the Lord’s pleasure, without expectation of reward. Such service, even if externally simple, surpasses elaborate rituals done for ulterior motives.
Kapila condemned cruelty toward any creature, stating that harming others while claiming to worship the Lord is hypocrisy. True devotion recognizes the Lord in all beings and responds with kindness. He emphasized that a devotee should see friends and foes alike with equal vision, grounded in the awareness of the Supersoul.
The Lord also clarified social duty: one may perform prescribed work, but its fruit should be offered to Him. Work thus becomes worship, and the heart remains unattached. He warned that pride in austerity, knowledge, or birth obstructs devotion, while humility attracts the Lord’s grace.
Kapila described the fruit of pure bhakti: the devotee transcends the modes, attains unbroken remembrance, and experiences spontaneous love for the Lord. Liberation is a by-product; the real treasure is loving relationship. Even residence in the material world becomes inconsequential when the heart dwells with the Lord.
He reassured Devahuti that anyone—regardless of background—who takes shelter of devotional service achieves the supreme goal. Barriers of caste, gender, or prior conduct dissolve in the face of sincere service. This universality made the path accessible to all.
The chapter concludes with Devahuti fully satisfied and enlightened. Kapila prepared to depart, having delivered instructions that blend philosophy, ethics, and devotion into a complete path. Vidura, hearing Maitreya’s account, was inspired to cherish and share these teachings, knowing they lead directly to the Lord’s lotus feet.