Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.5.1
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSpiritual Guidance Is Not for Material Profit
“The great saint Nārada Muni said: The demons, headed by Hiraṇyakaśipu, accepted Śukrācārya as their priest for ritualistic ceremonies. Śukrācārya’s two sons, Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, lived near Hiraṇyakaśipu’s palace.”
What the purport teaches
- Śukrācārya became the priest of Hiraṇyakaśipu and his atheistic followers. His sons, Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, lived near the palace.
- A brāhmaṇa should serve as priest for someone interested in advancing spiritual culture. The purport says Śukrācārya should not have accepted this position.
- Seeking benefits for sons and descendants, regardless of how money comes, is not the standard of a real brāhmaṇa. Spiritual responsibility should not be traded for material gain.
Try this today
Review one decision involving money today and consider whether it supports or compromises your spiritual growth.
Ask yourself
When might material benefit distract me from spiritual principles?
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.