Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.17.41
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyTrust the Lord Without Compromising Service
“A brāhmaṇa who considers that accepting charity from others will destroy his austerity, spiritual influence and fame should maintain himself by the other two brahminical occupations, namely teaching Vedic knowledge and performing sacrifice. If the brāhmaṇa considers that those two occupations also compromise his spiritual position, then he should collect rejected grains in agricultural fields and live without any dependence on others.”
What the purport teaches
- A brāhmaṇa should give up accepting charity if it weakens his austerity, spiritual influence or reputation. Collecting for the Lord’s service is distinguished from professional begging for personal maintenance.
- Teaching for a livelihood may restrict what one teaches, and performing sacrifices may expose one to manipulation by materialistic worshipers. If these occupations compromise his position, a brāhmaṇa may live by collecting rejected grains.
- A pure devotee remembers that the Supreme Personality of Godhead personally cares for him. An advanced Vaiṣṇava does not doubt the Lord’s promise to maintain His devotee.
Try this today
Take a quiet moment today to remember the Lord’s promise to carry what His devoted worshipers lack and preserve what they have.
Ask yourself
Could concern for my maintenance be compromising my spiritual integrity?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.