Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.5.51
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyOur Real Duty Is Serving Kṛṣṇa
“After hearing these instructions of Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, the sons of his spiritual master, Hiraṇyakaśipu agreed and requested them to instruct Prahlāda in that system of occupational duty which is followed by royal householder families.”
What the purport teaches
- Hiraṇyakaśipu wanted Prahlāda Mahārāja to become a king attached to sense enjoyment. Prahlāda wanted to become a rājarṣi, a king who governs but is as good as a great saint.
- Varṇāśrama-dharma educates people according to their position in society and stage of life. A devotee purified by devotional service, however, stands above the material qualities.
- Every living being is spiritual and is an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa. Our real occupational duty is to surrender to Him and engage in our spiritual function.
Try this today
Before one duty today, pause and remember: “My real duty is to serve Kṛṣṇa.”
Ask yourself
How can I understand my daily duties in light of being an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa?
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.