Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.29.17
Mukti· LiberationRespect, Compassion, and Friendship in Devotion
“The pure devotee should execute devotional service by giving the greatest respect to the spiritual master and the ācāryas. He should be compassionate to the poor and make friendship with persons who are his equals, but all his activities should be executed under regulation and with control of the senses.”
What the purport teaches
- Give the highest respect to the spiritual master and the ācāryas. The spiritual master must belong to the disciplic succession from Kṛṣṇa, and should not be regarded as an ordinary man.
- In devotional vision, someone without Kṛṣṇa consciousness is poor, even if materially wealthy. A devotee shows compassion by sharing spiritual knowledge to help that person advance.
- Make friendship with devotees of similar understanding and steady character, discussing Kṛṣṇa together for mutual advancement. Follow the rules and regulations while steadily controlling the senses and mind.
Try this today
Discuss one teaching about Kṛṣṇa with a devotee of similar understanding today.
Ask yourself
How can my friendships help me and others advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness?
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.