Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.3.13
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyProtection and Leadership Under Kṛṣṇa
“O Lord Brahmā, your position within this universe is certainly most auspicious for everyone, especially the cows and brāhmaṇas. Brahminical culture and the protection of cows can be increasingly glorified, and thus all kinds of material happiness, opulence and good fortune will automatically increase. But unfortunately, if Hiraṇyakaśipu occupies your seat, everything will be lost.”
What the purport teaches
- The welfare of cows and brāhmaṇas is essential in Vedic culture. The demigods feared that Hiraṇyakaśipu’s rule would destroy these foundations of good fortune.
- Lord Kṛṣṇa is the original proprietor of everything, and Brahmā acts on His behalf. Proper rulers should represent Brahmā’s arrangement rather than undermine it.
- Śreyase points to ultimately returning home, back to Godhead. Opulence accompanying a devotee’s spiritual advancement is a special gift from the Lord, not ordinary material wealth.
Try this today
Write down one way you can support cow protection or respect brahminical culture today.
Ask yourself
Do I judge good fortune only by wealth, or also by progress toward returning to Godhead?
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.