Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.7.36
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyUse Resources for the Lord’s Service
“O exalted governors of various planets, the true brāhmaṇa, who has no material possessions, maintains himself by the profession of accepting śiloñchana. In other words, he picks up grains left in the field and on the ground in the wholesale marketplace. By this means, householder brāhmaṇas who actually abide by the principles of austerity and penance maintain themselves and their families and perform all necessary pious activities. A brāhmaṇa who desires to achieve happiness by gaining wealth through professional priesthood must certainly have a very low mind. How shall I accept such priesthood?”
What the purport teaches
- A first-class brāhmaṇa practices austerity, maintaining himself and his family by collecting grains left in fields and marketplaces.
- Such a brāhmaṇa does not demand rewards from disciples to live in opulence. He accepts simplicity and depends on the mercy of the Lord.
- Whatever opulence a brāhmaṇa receives from disciples should not be used for personal benefit. It must be used for the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Set aside one resource you already have for the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead rather than personal enjoyment.
Ask yourself
Do I see resources as a means of personal luxury or an opportunity to serve the 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.