Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.14.6
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyKeep Life Simple Despite Outside Suggestions
“An intelligent man in human society should make his own program of activities very simple. If there are suggestions from his friends, children, parents, brothers or anyone else, he should externally agree, saying, “Yes, that is all right,” but internally he should be determined not to create a cumbersome life in which the purpose of life will not be fulfilled.”
What the purport teaches
- An intelligent person should keep the program of daily activities very simple.
- Friends and relatives may suggest changes to one’s life. The verse advises outward agreement while remaining inwardly unattached.
- One should remain determined not to create a cumbersome life. Simplicity protects the opportunity to fulfill life’s purpose.
Try this today
Review one suggestion or commitment today and identify how to keep it from unnecessarily complicating your life.
Ask yourself
Am I allowing others’ expectations to make my life too cumbersome to pursue its purpose?
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.