Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.43-44
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyGod Consciousness Is Essential to Good Government
“The most fortunate emperor Mahārāja Parīkṣit, who was entrusted with the kingdom of Hastināpura by Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira when he desired to retire to the forest, is now ruling the world with great success due to his being glorified by the deeds of the kings of the Kuru dynasty.”
What the purport teaches
- The present tense used for Mahārāja Parīkṣit’s reign can refer to the recent past or to a continuing fact. His principles can still improve society if authorities are determined to follow them.
- Mahārāja Parīkṣit was strictly vigilant against gambling, drinking, prostitution and animal slaughter. Although he allotted places for Kali, his vigilance left Kali unable to find such places.
- Wanting the kingdom of God without God consciousness is contradictory. To remove corruption, society must accept austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness rather than support activities that undermine them.
Try this today
Practice truthfulness today by correcting one misleading statement or avoiding an exaggeration.
Ask yourself
Do my daily choices support the religious principles I hope to see in society?
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.