Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.19.37
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyUse Wealth to Advance in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
“Therefore one who is in full knowledge should divide his accumulated wealth in five parts — for religion, for reputation, for opulence, for sense gratification and for the maintenance of his family members. Such a person is happy in this world and in the next.”
What the purport teaches
- The śāstras direct that accumulated wealth be divided for religion, reputation, opulence, sense gratification and family maintenance.
- Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī set an example by using fifty percent for Kṛṣṇa, twenty-five percent for himself and twenty-five percent for his family.
- The main purpose should be advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which includes dharma, artha and kāma. Family members should also receive a portion of one's wealth.
Try this today
Review one part of your budget and set aside a modest amount for Kṛṣṇa's service while allowing for family needs.
Ask yourself
Does my use of money reflect advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness as my main purpose?
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.