Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.43
Mukti· LiberationHumility Before Brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas
“O respectable personalities present here, I beg the blessings of all of you that I may perpetually carry on my crown the dust of the lotus feet of such brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas until the end of my life. He who can carry such dust on his head is very soon relieved of all the reactions which arise from sinful life, and eventually he develops all good and desirable qualities.”
What the purport teaches
- Pṛthu Mahārāja begs to carry the dust of the lotus feet of brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas on his crown throughout his life. Such dust removes sinful reactions and brings good qualities.
- Unflinching faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His pure devotee develops all the good qualities of the demigods. Taking shelter of a pure Vaiṣṇava is essential for understanding the Supreme Lord.
- A king’s crown is simply a burden if he does not follow the instructions of brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas. Pṛthu Mahārāja shows how a leader can truly benefit the citizens.
Try this today
Choose one instruction from a pure devotee that you have read, and make a small effort to follow it today.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to receive guidance from devotees, even when I hold a position of responsibility?
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.