Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.14.40
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyGive Thoughtfully and Keep Your Promises
“Has someone addressed you with unfriendly words or threatened you? Could you not give charity to one who asked, or could you not keep your promise to someone?”
What the purport teaches
- A kṣatriya or wealthy person has a duty to give charity when approached by someone in need. Giving should take account of the person, place and time.
- One should not fail to keep a promise to give in charity. Neglecting this obligation is a cause for sincere regret.
- Failure to give or keep a promise can bring despondency and criticism. The King asks whether such a failure, unfriendly words or threats might explain Arjuna’s distress.
Try this today
Review one promise you have made to help someone and take a concrete step toward fulfilling it today.
Ask yourself
Have I left any promise of help unfulfilled?
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.