Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.13
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyProtect Honest and Offenseless Living Beings
“O bull, you are offenseless and thoroughly honest; therefore I wish all good to you. Please tell me of the perpetrator of these mutilations, which blacken the reputation of the sons of Pṛthā.”
What the purport teaches
- The reigns of Mahārāja Rāmacandra and kings who followed His example are remembered because honest, offenseless living beings were protected from trouble.
- The bull and cow represent especially offenseless living beings. Even their stool and urine benefit human society.
- Mahārāja Parīkṣit feared the disgrace of failing to protect them. The purport contrasts this responsibility with leaders who permit their killing without knowing God’s codes.
Try this today
Do one small act of care for a harmless animal today.
Ask yourself
Do I recognize the welfare of harmless living beings as a responsibility?
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.