Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.5.12
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyUse Wealth for Lasting Spiritual Advancement
“The only proper fruit of acquired wealth is religiosity, on the basis of which one can acquire a philosophical understanding of life that eventually matures into direct perception of the Absolute Truth and thus liberation from all suffering. Materialistic persons, however, utilize their wealth simply for the advancement of their family situation. They fail to see that insurmountable death will soon destroy the frail material body.”
What the purport teaches
- Wealth is properly used for religious life, leading to spiritual understanding, realization and freedom from suffering. Spending it only on bodily and family prestige hides the reality of approaching death.
- Householders can live simply and use their wealth for Kṛṣṇa conscious activities at home and to support those preaching Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Such service gradually brings firm spiritual understanding and devotion at Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet.
- Real wealth is consciousness developed into love of Godhead. When family life and wealth serve Kṛṣṇa consciousness, spiritual knowledge matures into realization, eternal peace and bliss.
Try this today
Set aside a small amount today for a Kṛṣṇa conscious activity at home or to help those sharing Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Ask yourself
Does my use of money support lasting spiritual growth or mainly temporary prestige?
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.