Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.12.32
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyRespecting the Purpose of Public Funds
“Just at this time, King Yudhiṣṭhira was considering performing a horse sacrifice to get freed from sins incurred from fighting with kinsmen. But he became anxious to get some wealth, for there were no surplus funds outside of fines and tax collection.”
What the purport teaches
- Yudhiṣṭhira wished to perform a horse sacrifice to become free from sins incurred in fighting his kinsmen. He wanted to do this under Bhīṣmadeva's instruction.
- After the Battle of Kurukṣetra, the treasury was exhausted. Taxes and fines provided only enough for the state budget.
- With no surplus available, the King was anxious to obtain wealth in another way. He sought additional resources for the sacrifice.
Try this today
Review one planned expense today and check that it does not use money needed for an existing responsibility.
Ask yourself
Am I respecting the intended purpose of resources entrusted to me?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.