Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.12.6
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyBe Gentle, Moderate and Careful in Association
“A brahmacārī should be quite well-behaved and gentle and should not eat or collect more than necessary. He must always be active and expert, fully believing in the instructions of the spiritual master and the śāstra. Fully controlling his senses, he should associate only as much as necessary with women or those controlled by women.”
What the purport teaches
- A brahmacārī should be gentle and well-behaved, neither eating nor collecting more than necessary.
- He should be active and expert, with full faith in the instructions of the spiritual master and the śāstra.
- The purport directs him to keep necessary dealings with women and men attached to women brief. When collecting alms, he should speak only about that purpose.
Try this today
Today, avoid collecting one unnecessary item and be content with what you need.
Ask yourself
Where could I practice greater moderation while remaining active and gentle?
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.