Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.14.14
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyGood Leaders Hear Saintly Advice
“The great sages said: Dear King, we have come to give you good advice. Kindly hear us with great attention. By doing so, your duration of life and your opulence, strength and reputation will increase.”
What the purport teaches
- The sages asked the king to hear their good advice attentively. Such hearing would increase his life, opulence, strength and reputation.
- In Vedic monarchy, responsible kings first accepted the authority of saintly persons and then exercised their ruling power. Following this guidance helped the citizens become happy, peaceful and prosperous.
- The purport connects disregard for saintly instruction with suffering among both rulers and citizens. Citizens seeking prosperity should choose leaders who respect saintly persons.
Try this today
Reread one instruction from saintly guidance today and write down how it could shape a decision.
Ask yourself
Do I listen attentively to spiritual guidance before using my authority or making decisions?
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.