Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.1.22
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyLead Without Attachment, Seek the Lord
“Svāyambhuva Manu, with the assistance of Lord Brahmā, thus fulfilled his desires. With the permission of the great sage Nārada, he delivered to his son the governmental responsibility for maintaining and protecting all the planets of the universe. He thus achieved relief from the most dangerous, poisonous ocean of material desires.”
What the purport teaches
- With Nārada’s permission, Manu entrusted Priyavrata with maintaining and protecting all the planetary systems. Manu felt relieved to give up this responsibility.
- Exemplary kings ruled for the welfare of their citizens, not for sense enjoyment. They performed their duties while remaining aloof from material attachment.
- Material affairs are compared to an ocean of poison, and chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra is given as the remedy. The aim is to become free from worldly attachment and fully engage in the Lord’s service.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.
Ask yourself
Am I accepting responsibility to benefit others, or to gain enjoyment and importance?
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.