Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.15.14
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyDuties Should Lead to Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
“A pretentious religious system manufactured by one who willfully neglects the prescribed duties of his order of life is called ābhāsa [a dim reflection or false similarity]. But if one performs the prescribed duties for his particular āśrama or varṇa, why are they not sufficient to mitigate all material distresses?”
What the purport teaches
- One should follow the principles of varṇa and āśrama given in śāstra. Their aim and end is to become Kṛṣṇa conscious.
- A religious system that neglects prescribed duties and replaces worship of Viṣṇu with a concocted God is pretentious. Such systems misguide their followers.
- A brāhmaṇa must have brahminical qualifications; birth alone is not sufficient. Following the scriptural system according to one’s qualifications can relieve distress.
Try this today
Choose one prescribed duty you already understand and perform it carefully today with Kṛṣṇa consciousness as its purpose.
Ask yourself
Am I developing genuine qualifications and keeping Kṛṣṇa consciousness as the goal of my duties?
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.