Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.15.3
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyKeep Sacred Offerings Simple
“During the period for offering oblations to the demigods, one should invite only two brāhmaṇas, and while offering oblations to the forefathers, one may invite three brāhmaṇas. Or, in either case, only one brāhmaṇa will suffice. Even though one is very opulent, he should not endeavor to invite more brāhmaṇas or make various expensive arrangements on those occasions.”
What the purport teaches
- For offerings to the demigods, two brāhmaṇas may be invited; for offerings to the forefathers, three. In either case, one is sufficient.
- Even a wealthy person should not multiply guests or make expensive arrangements for these occasions.
- One should invite and feed a first-class brāhmaṇa or Vaiṣṇava—a realized soul. Devotion makes a person dear to the Lord, regardless of birth.
Try this today
Write a simple plan for a sacred meal that emphasizes honoring a suitable devotee rather than expensive arrangements.
Ask yourself
Am I giving more attention to sincere devotion or to impressive arrangements?
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.