Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.12.22
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyPractice Austerity Thoughtfully
“Being very thoughtful, a vānaprastha should remain in the forest for twelve years, eight years, four years, two years or at least one year. He should behave in such a way that he will not be disturbed or troubled by too much austerity.”
What the purport teaches
- A vānaprastha should remain in the forest thoughtfully, choosing a suitable period of residence.
- The verse allows twelve, eight, four, two or at least one year.
- His conduct should keep him from becoming disturbed or troubled by too much austerity.
Try this today
Review one spiritual discipline today and consider whether its demands are causing unnecessary disturbance.
Ask yourself
Am I approaching spiritual discipline thoughtfully, or taking on more austerity than I can bear?
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.