Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.21.50
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyCompassionate Leadership Supports Devotional Progress
“Our dear lord, it is your occupational duty to rule over your citizens. That is not a very wonderful task for a personality like you, who are so affectionate in seeing to the interests of the citizens, because you are full of mercy. That is the greatness of your character.”
What the purport teaches
- A king may levy taxes for his livelihood, but his duty is to protect the citizens and help them reach the highest standard of life. The different social classes likewise have duties that support society.
- A qualified leader must be merciful and compassionate. He should serve the citizens’ prime interest: becoming elevated devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Great souls naturally do good to others, and a Vaiṣṇava is especially compassionate. When society follows the guidance of brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas, everyone can progress together toward life’s highest perfection.
Try this today
Offer one small, practical help to someone engaged in devotional service today.
Ask yourself
When I help others, do I also care about their progress in devotional life?
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.