Because you have to attach to something. You cannot become unattached. That is not possible. So, in order to become attached to Krsna or to enter into the devotional service of the Lord, one has to become detached from this material affection. That is wanted. Ordinarily, they go to Krsna for maintaining the attachment with this material world. Just like, "O God, give us our daily bread." That means I have got attachment of this material world, and to live in this material world, I must have supplies of material things so that I can maintain my status quo. This is called material attachment. People go to God for securing the material position. That is, one sense, it is good; but that is not wanted. To become free from material attachment, that is required. Not that I worship God to increase my opulence in the material world. That is not wanted.So bhakti means detachment. Vairagya-vidya-nija-bhakti-yoga [Cc. Madya 6.254]. Bhakti-yoga means detachment. Our suffering is due to our attachment. Because we are materially attached, I am desiring so many things materially. Therefore, Krsna is giving me opportunity to enjoy that material facility. Whatever I want, whatever I desire... Of course, I must deserve. First deserve, then desire. Suppose if I want to become king. So I must have pious activities behind me so that I can become king. But Krsna can fulfill. Whatever you want, Krsna can give you. Krsna can give you even mukti, liberation, the Mayavadis' mukti. But He does not give very easily bhakti. That He does not give. Krsna can give you all material gifts, even up to mukti if you want. But when He gives bhakti, oh, that is special consideration. Because when He gives somebody bhakti, He becomes purchased by the bhakta. So therefore He considers, considers. Become... Krsna becomes a tool in the hands of bhakta. Although He's so..., the supreme powerful. Just like Radharani, the symbol of the topmost bhakti, Radharani. So She has purchased Krsna. She has purchased Krsna, She's so powerful. Therefore Vaisnavas, they take shelter of the lotus feet of Radharani so that if She recommends, "Oh, here is a nice devotee," Krsna has to accept.
Prabhupada's lecture.
Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.41
Los Angeles, May 3, 1973
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