Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.14.41
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyThe Lord’s Representative Remains His Servant
“My dear King, of all persons a qualified brāhmaṇa must be accepted as the best within this material world because such a brāhmaṇa, by practicing austerity, Vedic studies and satisfaction, becomes the counterpart body of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the Supreme Person. A qualified brāhmaṇa, through austerity, Vedic study and satisfaction, becomes His representative and deserves worship.
- A brāhmaṇa knows that he is Brahman, not matter; a Vaiṣṇava also knows that he is an eternal servant of the Supreme Brahman. Therefore, worship of a Vaiṣṇava is superior to worship of the Deity in the temple.
- The spiritual master is honored as being as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but never thinks himself God. A genuine representative remains a faithful servant and does not seek to enjoy the prestige of that position.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, pause and remind yourself that you are Kṛṣṇa’s servant.
Ask yourself
How can I deepen my understanding that spiritual knowledge should lead to faithful service, not prestige?
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.