Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.24
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyFour Principles Support Surrender to the Lord
“In the age of Satya [truthfulness] your four legs were established by the four principles of austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness. But it appears that three of your legs are broken due to rampant irreligion in the form of pride, lust for women, and intoxication.”
What the purport teaches
- Austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness are the four supports of religion. They develop the character needed to surrender to the Lord.
- Material energy is very difficult to overcome, but one who completely surrenders to the Lord can overcome it. Pride, undue attachment to women and intoxication weaken the principles that support surrender.
- Laws and police vigilance alone cannot cure society’s corruption. Teaching Bhāgavatam principles and God consciousness makes people austere, clean, merciful and truthful.
Try this today
Choose one of the four principles and perform one concrete act today, such as cleaning your space or helping someone who is suffering.
Ask yourself
Which of these four principles most needs strengthening in my daily life?
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.