Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.7.35
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyRespect and the Cost of Priesthood
“Śrī Viśvarūpa said: O demigods, although the acceptance of priesthood is decried as causing the loss of previously acquired brahminical power, how can someone like me refuse to accept your personal request? You are all exalted commanders of the entire universe. I am your disciple and must take many lessons from you. Therefore I cannot refuse you. I must agree for my own benefit.”
What the purport teaches
- A qualified brāhmaṇa may act as a priest for the elevation of the people.
- A priest or spiritual master neutralizes the sinful reactions of the person he serves. This diminishes the results of his previously performed pious acts, so learned brāhmaṇas avoid priesthood.
- Nevertheless, Viśvarūpa accepts because of his profound respect for the demigods. He considers himself their disciple, with many lessons to learn from them.
Try this today
In one responsibility today, acknowledge something you can learn from the person you are helping.
Ask yourself
Can I remain willing to learn from those who ask for my help?
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.