Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.37
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyProtect Devotion by Avoiding Offenses
“The brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas are personally glorified by their characteristic powers of tolerance, penance, knowledge and education. By dint of all these spiritual assets, Vaiṣṇavas are more powerful than royalty. It is therefore advised that the princely order not exhibit its material prowess before these two communities and should avoid offending them.”
What the purport teaches
- Devotional service is compared to a tender creeper that needs support and protection. Offenses to Vaiṣṇavas can check or spoil even advanced progress in devotional service.
- Offenses to the spiritual master are especially grievous. Those with material power should not display it against brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas, whose strength lies in tolerance, penance, knowledge and education.
- A Vaiṣṇava immediately reminds one of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Beyond possessing brahminical qualities, a Vaiṣṇava fully engages in the Lord’s transcendental loving service.
Try this today
Before speaking to or about a devotee today, pause and choose words that avoid disrespect.
Ask yourself
Does my way of speaking to devotees show respect for their service to Kṛṣṇa?
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.