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Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.22.13

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty

Value Character More Than Wealth

“One who rejects an offering that comes of its own accord but later begs a boon from a miser thus loses his widespread reputation, and his pride is humbled by the neglectful behavior of others.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.22.13, translation

What the purport teaches

  • Svāyambhuva Manu warned that rejecting a suitable offer could lead Kardama Muni to seek the same thing elsewhere and receive neglect.
  • The purport describes a father offering his daughter to a suitable bridegroom as a respectable Vedic marriage arrangement.
  • Although an emperor, Svāyambhuva Manu offered his daughter to a poor brāhmaṇa living in the forest. Culture and personal qualities counted more than wealth.

Try this today

Notice and appreciate one person's good character today without referring to wealth or status.

Ask yourself

When judging someone's suitability, do I value character more than possessions?

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.

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