Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.41
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyTest Leaders by Character
“Therefore, whoever desires progressive well-being, especially kings, religionists, public leaders, brāhmaṇas and sannyāsīs, should never come in contact with the four above-mentioned irreligious principles.”
What the purport teaches
- Anyone seeking progressive well-being should avoid irreligious practices. This is especially important for spiritual teachers, rulers and public leaders.
- Truthfulness is the basic principle of all religions. A leader’s claims become hollow when conduct contradicts the responsibilities of the role.
- Spiritual and material leaders must be tested by character and qualification, not merely academic learning. Freedom from gambling, drinking, prostitution and animal slaughter is a primary requirement.
Try this today
Before accepting one piece of guidance today, consider whether the adviser’s conduct supports their words.
Ask yourself
When choosing whom to trust, do I examine character as carefully as knowledge or status?
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.