Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.19.36
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyGive With Attention to Your Livelihood
“Learned scholars do not praise that charity which endangers one’s own livelihood. Charity, sacrifice, austerity and fruitive activities are possible for one who is competent to earn his livelihood properly. [They are not possible for one who cannot maintain himself.]”
What the purport teaches
- Learned scholars do not praise charity that endangers one's own livelihood.
- Charity, sacrifice, austerity and fruitive activities require the ability to maintain oneself properly.
- The verse presents a secure livelihood as the practical support for carrying out these activities.
Try this today
Review your essential expenses before choosing an amount to give in charity.
Ask yourself
Can I sustain my giving while meeting my basic needs?
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.