Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.12.23
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyWhen Age or Disease Prevents Duties
“When because of disease or old age one is unable to perform his prescribed duties for advancement in spiritual consciousness or study of the Vedas, he should practice fasting, not taking any food.”
What the purport teaches
- The verse addresses someone unable to perform prescribed duties because of disease or old age.
- These duties support advancement in spiritual consciousness and study of the Vedas.
- For this condition, the verse prescribes fasting without taking food. This is a specific instruction, not a general daily practice.
Try this today
Spend a minute reflecting on the purpose of spiritual duties, rather than undertaking the fasting described here.
Ask yourself
How do I value spiritual advancement when physical ability becomes limited?
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.