Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.14.26
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutySurround Family Ceremonies With Saṅkīrtana
“O King Yudhiṣṭhira, at the time prescribed for reformatory ritualistic ceremonies for one’s self, one’s wife or one’s children, or during funeral ceremonies and annual death ceremonies, one must perform the auspicious ceremonies mentioned above in order to flourish in fruitive activities.”
What the purport teaches
- The Vedas prescribe ceremonies for oneself, one’s wife and children, as well as funeral and annual death ceremonies. Personal reformatory methods include initiation.
- These ceremonies must be observed according to time, circumstances and the directions of the śāstras. Scriptural guidance should govern their performance.
- For Kali-yuga, the śāstras enjoin that saṅkīrtana-yajña be performed always. All recommended ritualistic ceremonies should be preceded and followed by saṅkīrtana.
Try this today
Write a reminder in your next family ceremony plan to begin and end with saṅkīrtana.
Ask yourself
How can chanting take a clear place in my family’s ceremonies?
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.