Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.27
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyTrue Rulers Protect Those Who Suffer
“Now she, the chaste one, being unfortunately forsaken by the Personality of Godhead, laments her future with tears in her eyes, for now she is being ruled and enjoyed by lower-class men who pose as rulers.”
What the purport teaches
- A kṣatriya is qualified to rule by being trained and willing to protect sufferers. Holding office alone does not establish that qualification.
- Untrained rulers gratify themselves at the cost of their citizens’ comforts. Mother earth laments the suffering of her children, both human beings and animals.
- In the absence of a suitable king, systematic education in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam can clear the atmosphere of corruption, bribery and blackmail.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes today for a regular study of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
Ask yourself
When I have responsibility for others, do I seek their protection or my own comfort?
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.