Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.13.8
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutySpiritual Teaching Is Not Material Allurement
“A sannyāsī must not present allurements of material benefits to gather many disciples, nor should he unnecessarily read many books or give discourses as a means of livelihood. He must never attempt to increase material opulences unnecessarily.”
What the purport teaches
- A sannyāsī must not gather disciples by promising material benefits, such as curing diseases or increasing wealth.
- He should not unnecessarily study many books, give discourses for a livelihood, or increase material opulence. His first business is to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Temples and monasteries should support preaching and shelter serious students of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Facilities available by Kṛṣṇa’s grace should serve spiritual advancement, not idle gatherings.
Try this today
Write down one reason to pursue Kṛṣṇa consciousness that does not depend on gaining health, wealth, or comfort.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking spiritual advancement or mainly hoping for material benefits?
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.