Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 12.7.13
Sthāna· The universe in orderLivelihood Can Follow God’s Law
“Vṛtti means the process of sustenance, by which the moving beings live upon the nonmoving. For a human, vṛtti specifically means acting for one’s livelihood in a manner suited to his personal nature. Such action may be carried out either in pursuit of selfish desire or in accordance with the law of God.”
What the purport teaches
- Vṛtti means the process of sustenance, by which moving beings live upon nonmoving beings.
- For humans, vṛtti specifically means earning a livelihood in a manner suited to one’s personal nature.
- Such work may be pursued for selfish desire or carried out in accordance with the law of God.
Try this today
Before one work task today, pause to consider whether your intention is merely selfish.
Ask yourself
Am I approaching my livelihood mainly through selfish desire or with concern for God’s law?
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.