Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.1.14
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyMake Your Duties Worship of the Lord
“My dear boy, all of us are bound by the Vedic injunctions to the divisions of varṇāśrama according to our qualities and work. These divisions are difficult to avoid because they are scientifically arranged. We must therefore carry out our duties of varṇāśrama-dharma, like bulls obliged to move according to the direction of a driver pulling on ropes knotted to their noses.”
What the purport teaches
- The divisions of varṇāśrama are determined by qualities and work, not simply by birth. A person’s present qualities and activities must guide this understanding.
- Properly performed duties in varṇa and āśrama are meant to worship Lord Viṣṇu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Material advancement alone misses this goal of life.
- Vedic instructions give direction for a successful life, whatever one’s social position. Following these instructions can elevate everyone to the transcendental platform.
Try this today
Choose one duty today and perform it carefully with the intention of pleasing Lord Viṣṇu rather than gaining material recognition.
Ask yourself
How can I keep worship of Lord Viṣṇu as the purpose of my duties?
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.