Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.11.5
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesAccept What Is Needed, Without Greed
“All the brāhmaṇas who were engaged in the various activities of the sacrifice were very pleased with Lord Rāmacandra, who was greatly affectionate and favorable to the brāhmaṇas. Thus with melted hearts they returned all the property received from Him and spoke as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- The brāhmaṇas’ hearts melted at Lord Rāmacandra’s affection. They accepted His gift but then returned the property, knowing that ruling citizens was a kṣatriya’s duty.
- Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge and religiousness are brahminical qualities. Possessing property for profit is not the purpose of a brāhmaṇa’s life.
- Lord Rāmacandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, showed exemplary charity as a ruler. A ruler should give charity in suitable cases, while a brāhmaṇa should accept no more than needed to maintain body and soul.
Try this today
When accepting something today, take only the amount you need.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to accept only what I need, even when more is offered?
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.