Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.5.2
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutySocial and Spiritual Orders Serve Devotion
“Śrī Camasa said: Each of the four social orders, headed by the brāhmaṇas, was born through different combinations of the modes of nature, from the face, arms, thighs and feet of the Supreme Lord in His universal form. Thus the four spiritual orders were also generated.”
What the purport teaches
- The four social orders and four spiritual orders arise from the Supreme Lord’s universal form. The social orders involve different combinations of the modes of nature.
- The varṇāśrama system gradually purifies those who are not spontaneously attracted to devotional service. Its purpose is to bring them back to their constitutional position of love of Godhead.
- The universal form helps materialists gradually understand the Personality of Godhead. The Lord is not merely formless; He possesses spiritual potencies of unlimited bliss, eternal existence and omniscience.
Try this today
Before one responsibility today, pause and recall that the purpose of social and spiritual duties is to grow toward devotional service.
Ask yourself
Do I see my responsibilities as opportunities for purification and progress toward love of Godhead?
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.