Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.13.15
Ūti· What drives us to actSpiritual Qualification Goes Beyond Birth
“As long as Vidura played the part of a śūdra, being cursed by Maṇḍūka Muni, Aryamā officiated at the post of Yamarāja to punish those who committed sinful acts.”
What the purport teaches
- Vidura was thoroughly educated in transcendental knowledge by Ṛṣi Maitreya and was qualified to act as a spiritual teacher. Knowledge of the science of Godhead, not birth or household status, qualifies one to become a spiritual master.
- Vidura was actually Yamarāja, playing the part of a śūdra because of Maṇḍūka Muni’s curse. During his absence, Aryamā carried out Yamarāja’s duties.
- By the Lord’s will, Yamarāja came as Vidura to preach the Lord’s glories as a great devotee. The Lord and His pure devotees remain transcendental to material social divisions.
Try this today
Notice one judgment you make based on social standing, and reconsider it in light of the importance of spiritual knowledge and devotion.
Ask yourself
Do I value spiritual knowledge and devotion more than someone’s birth or social position?
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.