Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.7.13
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyHigh Position Does Not Excuse Disrespect
“If a person says, “One who is situated on the exalted throne of a king should not stand up to show respect to another king or a brāhmaṇa,” it is to be understood that he does not know the superior religious principles.”
What the purport teaches
- A king need not rise for everyone, but must respect superiors such as his spiritual master, brāhmaṇas, and Vaiṣṇavas.
- Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, yet while acting as a king He rose with His officers and ministers to honor His devotee Nārada.
- Technological progress alone does not make an advanced human civilization. Society needs ideal advisers, proper social duties, and advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Try this today
Set aside your usual task briefly today to give a spiritual teacher or devotee your respectful attention.
Ask yourself
Do I ever use my position or responsibilities as an excuse to withhold respect?
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.