Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.18.2
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyLive Simply Without Killing Animals
“Having adopted the vānaprastha order of life, one should arrange one’s sustenance by eating uncontaminated bulbs, roots and fruits that grow in the forest. One may dress oneself with tree bark, grass, leaves or animal skins.”
What the purport teaches
- The vānaprastha maintains himself with uncontaminated bulbs, roots and fruits growing in the forest.
- His clothing may consist of bark, grass, leaves or animal skins. He does not kill animals, but obtains skins from animals that have died naturally.
- Pure forest sustenance excludes animal flesh, fungus, mushrooms, horseradish and honey-based liquors. Hallucinogenic or intoxicating herbs are also excluded, even when taken as so-called medicine.
Try this today
Choose a simple fruit or root food today rather than an intoxicating or meat-based item.
Ask yourself
What does this description teach me about simplicity and purity?
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.