Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.18.31
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyBe Tolerant and Respectful Toward Others
“A saintly person should never let others frighten or disturb him and, similarly, should never frighten or disturb other people. He should tolerate the insults of others and should never himself belittle anyone. He should never create hostility with anyone for the sake of the material body, for he would thus be no better than an animal.”
What the purport teaches
- A Vaiṣṇava should never disturb another living entity with his body, mind or words. He should tolerate insults and never belittle others.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu teaches humility, tolerance and respect for everyone. In this state of mind, one can constantly chant the holy name of the Lord.
- A Vaiṣṇava may act powerfully for Lord Kṛṣṇa’s sake, but remains meek and humble about his own reputation. He does not create hostility for the sake of the material body.
Try this today
Today, speak respectfully in one difficult conversation instead of defending your reputation with harsh words.
Ask yourself
How could I respond to an insult without belittling the other person?
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.