Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.6.10
Ūti· What drives us to actPreserve Cleanliness, Worship and Respect
“People who are lowest among men and bewildered by the illusory energy of the Supreme Lord will give up the original varṇāśrama-dharma and its rules and regulations. They will abandon bathing three times daily and worshiping the Lord. Abandoning cleanliness and neglecting the Supreme Lord, they will accept nonsensical principles. Not regularly bathing or washing their mouths regularly, they will always remain unclean, and they will pluck out their hair. Following a concocted religion, they will flourish. During this Age of Kali, people are more inclined to irreligious systems. Consequently these people will naturally deride Vedic authority, the followers of Vedic authority, the brāhmaṇas, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the devotees.”
What the purport teaches
- The translation warns against abandoning cleanliness, prescribed duties and worship of the Supreme Lord. Personal inventions are not a substitute for these practices.
- The purport distinguishes Lord Ṛṣabhadeva’s exalted position from King Arhat’s imitation. His extraordinary conduct did not justify others neglecting Vedic principles.
- The influence of Kali encourages invented religious systems and disrespect for Vedic authority, brāhmaṇas, devotees and the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Bathe and wash your mouth today before setting aside time to worship the Supreme Lord.
Ask yourself
How can I strengthen cleanliness and respect in my worship of the Supreme Lord?
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.