Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.44
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyGratitude and Guidance Develop Good Qualities
“Whoever acquires the brahminical qualifications — whose only wealth is good behavior, who is grateful, and who takes shelter of experienced persons — gets all the opulence of the world. I therefore wish that the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His associates be pleased with the brāhmaṇa class, with the cows and with me.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, respects and protects brāhmaṇas, brahminical culture and cows. He is always associated with His followers and devotees.
- A devotee’s wealth is good behavior and gratitude. Everyone should be grateful to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who maintains all living entities and supplies their necessities.
- True seniority comes from advancement in knowledge, not merely from age. Taking shelter of a bona fide spiritual master helps one acquire good qualities and become trained in good behavior.
Try this today
Name three necessities you have received, and offer a brief prayer of gratitude to Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
How can gratitude for the Lord’s care improve my behavior today?
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.