Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.2.3
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyGood Leaders Protect and Guide Spiritually
“A king or governmental official should be so well qualified that he acts as a father, maintainer and protector of the citizens because of affection and love. He should give the citizens good advice and instructions according to the standard scriptures and should be equal to everyone. Yamarāja does this, for he is the supreme master of justice, and so do those who follow in his footsteps. However, if such persons become polluted and exhibit partiality by punishing an innocent, blameless person, where will the citizens go to take shelter for their maintenance and security?”
What the purport teaches
- A leader should act as an affectionate guardian, give scriptural guidance, and treat everyone equally. Partiality leaves innocent citizens without reliable shelter.
- Human life is especially meant for realizing the self and one's relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Government should gradually guide citizens toward this spiritual realization.
- Leaders must be honest and religious for society to prosper. A Vaiṣṇava responds to mismanagement with compassion and tries to improve the situation by spreading the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement.
Try this today
Share one teaching about our relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead with someone willing to hear.
Ask yourself
Does my care for others include concern for their spiritual well-being?
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.