Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.11.18-20
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyDivine Social Order Supports Peace
“In time of emergency, one may accept any of the various types of professions known as ṛta, amṛta, mṛta, pramṛta and satyānṛta, but one should not at any time accept the profession of a dog. The profession of uñchaśila, collecting grains from the field, is called ṛta. Collecting without begging is called amṛta, begging grains is called mṛta, tilling the ground is called pramṛta, and trade is called satyānṛta. Engaging in the service of low-grade persons, however, is called śva-vṛtti, the profession of the dogs. Specifically, brāhmaṇas and kṣatriyas should not engage in the low and abominable service of śūdras. Brāhmaṇas should be well acquainted with all the Vedic knowledge, and kṣatriyas should be well acquainted with the worship of demigods.”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Lord created the four divisions of society according to the modes of material nature and the work assigned to them.
- Emergency livelihoods include gathering grains, receiving without begging, begging, agriculture, and trade. The translation forbids brāhmaṇas and kṣatriyas from accepting the service it calls śva-vṛtti.
- The purport says that neglect of varṇāśrama principles has undermined this social institution. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement seeks to reestablish divine varṇāśrama for peace and prosperity.
Try this today
Write down one quality you regularly show and one duty in which you use it.
Ask yourself
How do my qualities and daily work fit together?
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.