All Live lessons

Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.7.38

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty

Dedicate Your Resources to Serving Others

“A saintly person should learn from the mountain to devote all his efforts to the service of others and to make the welfare of others the sole reason for his existence. Similarly, as the disciple of the tree, he should learn to dedicate himself to others.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 11.7.38, translation

What the purport teaches

  • Mountains sustain many forms of life and supply life-giving water. Their example teaches us to work for the happiness of all living beings.
  • Trees offer fruits, flowers, shade and medicines, and even serve as firewood when cut down. Their generosity and tolerance teach saintly conduct.
  • One should dedicate wealth and other assets to others' welfare, especially pleasing the spiritual master and the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Becoming tolerant like a tree enables one to chant Kṛṣṇa's holy name constantly.

Try this today

Use a little of your time or wealth today to help someone, with the intention of pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Ask yourself

Which of my resources could I use more generously in service?

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.

One of the 108 chosen lessons, close to this verseServing Kṛṣṇa Fulfills All ObligationsSB 11.5.41Next · LeadTeach what you are livingTurn this chapter into a timed class plan or a short reel script.Open Lecture Studio