Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.4.26
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesTeach to Serve, Not Gain Honor
“Śrī Uddhava said: You may take lessons from the great learned sage Maitreya, who is nearby and who is worshipable for reception of transcendental knowledge. He was directly instructed by the Personality of Godhead while He was about to quit this mortal world.”
What the purport teaches
- Uddhava directed Vidura to Maitreya, who had also received instruction directly from the Personality of Godhead. Although both were qualified, Uddhava honored Maitreya’s seniority.
- Even someone well versed in spiritual science should not eagerly instruct in the presence of a higher personality. Impertinently surpassing such a person is called maryādā-vyatikrama and harms spiritual progress.
- One should become a spiritual master only to serve the Lord, not for profit or fame. The honor due to an elderly spiritual master must not be passed over for personal gain.
Try this today
Before offering spiritual advice today, pause and consider whether a more qualified devotee should guide the discussion.
Ask yourself
When I share spiritual knowledge, am I seeking service or recognition?
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.