Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.16.6
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyCollected Wealth Should Return as Care
“This King Pṛthu will be as powerful as the sun-god, and just as the sun-god equally distributes his sunshine to everyone, King Pṛthu will distribute his mercy equally. Similarly, just as the sun-god evaporates water for eight months and, during the rainy season, returns it profusely, this King will also exact taxes from the citizens and return these monies in times of need.”
What the purport teaches
- Like the sun distributing sunshine, Pṛthu would distribute mercy equally. His collection and return of taxes are compared to the sun drawing up water and returning it as rain.
- Tax revenues should support citizens in times of need, such as famine or flood. They are not meant for administrators’ sense gratification.
- The purport criticizes spending taxes on excessive salaries, allowances and personal comforts. As an ideal king, Pṛthu would manage public resources expertly for the citizens.
Try this today
Identify one resource you manage and set aside a small portion to help someone in need.
Ask yourself
When I am entrusted with resources, do I use them for others’ needs or my own comfort?
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.