Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.4.16
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyAccept Guidance and Learn Self-Control
“Although Lord Ṛṣabhadeva knew everything about confidential Vedic knowledge, which includes information about all types of occupational duties, He still maintained Himself as a kṣatriya and followed the instructions of the brāhmaṇas as they related to mind control, sense control, tolerance and so forth. Thus He ruled the people according to the system of varṇāśrama-dharma, which enjoins that the brāhmaṇas instruct the kṣatriyas and the kṣatriyas administer to the state through the vaiśyas and śūdras.”
What the purport teaches
- Although Ṛṣabhadeva knew Vedic instructions perfectly, He followed the brāhmaṇas’ guidance. He did this to maintain the social order properly.
- Qualified brāhmaṇas should know the Vedic literature and advise according to the śāstras. The benefit of this knowledge should be shared with everyone.
- Following such guidance teaches control of the mind and senses, along with tolerance. In this way, one gradually advances toward spiritual perfection.
Try this today
When irritation arises today, pause before speaking and practice tolerance.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to receive sound spiritual guidance even when I think I already know enough?
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.