Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.21.2
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyAdvance Steadily Without Imitating Higher Stages
“Steadiness in one’s own position is declared to be actual piety, whereas deviation from one’s position is considered impiety. In this way the two are definitely ascertained.”
What the purport teaches
- Actual piety means steadiness in one’s proper position. One should not disrupt the natural development of Kṛṣṇa consciousness by abandoning prescribed duties prematurely.
- Work offered to the Lord leads toward spiritual knowledge and recognition of oneself as His eternal servant. The goal is direct loving service and full surrender to Kṛṣṇa.
- A beginner should not imitate the activities of a perfected devotee. Pure devotional service should not be criticized, but material tendencies mixed with devotion may be corrected.
Try this today
Carry out one regular duty carefully today, offering your effort to the Lord rather than seeking personal reward.
Ask yourself
Where might I be trying to appear spiritually advanced instead of steadily fulfilling my present responsibilities?
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.