Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.16.23
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyProtect Devotion Through Respectful Leadership
“O Lord, You are the protector of the highest of the twice-born. If You do not protect them by offering worship and mild words, then certainly the auspicious path of worship will be rejected by people in general, who act on the strength and authority of Your Lordship.”
What the purport teaches
- People follow the acts and character of great authorities. Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, showed perfect leadership by respecting brāhmaṇas and devotees.
- The Absolute Truth cannot be understood simply through speculation or logical argument. We should follow genuine spiritual authorities.
- Leaders should protect brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas with facilities and sweet words. This protects the auspicious path of devotional service, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Try this today
Offer practical help to a devotee today, or, if you cannot, speak a few kind and respectful words.
Ask yourself
How does my treatment of devotees encourage respect for devotional service?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.