Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.2.5-6
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyNever Betray Those Who Trust You
“People in general are not very advanced in knowledge by which to discriminate between religion and irreligion. The innocent, unenlightened citizen is like an ignorant animal sleeping in peace with its head on the lap of its master, faithfully believing in the master’s protection. If a leader is actually kindhearted and deserves to be the object of a living entity’s faith, how can he punish or kill a foolish person who has fully surrendered in good faith and friendship?”
What the purport teaches
- People who cannot clearly distinguish religion from irreligion depend on their leaders for protection. A kindhearted leader should honor their faith and friendship.
- Betraying a living being who takes shelter in good faith is extremely sinful, whether that being is a human or an animal. Vaiṣṇavas condemn sheltering animals only to send them for slaughter.
- When government permits such breaches of trust, society becomes contaminated. Sinfulness brings unclear intelligence, misfortune, and continual disturbance.
Try this today
Fulfill one promise of care or protection you have made to someone who depends on you.
Ask yourself
Who depends on my care, and am I honoring that trust?
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.