All Live lessons

Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.13.12

Visarga· Brahmā's creation

Leadership Means Protecting the People

“Thereafter, to save the people from the danger of an unregulated government, the sages churned Mahārāja Nimi’s material body, from which, as a result, a son was born.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.13.12, translation

What the purport teaches

  • The sages considered the danger an unregulated government posed to the people. They churned Mahārāja Nimi’s material body, and a son was born to guide the citizens.
  • A kṣatriya is one who saves citizens from injury. Such a ruler needs training from learned brāhmaṇas who are expert in the śāstras.
  • The purport contrasts protecting one’s political position with caring for the citizens’ happiness. It teaches that leaders should be trained and rule according to authorized scriptures.

Try this today

In one responsibility today, take a small action that protects someone’s welfare rather than your own status.

Ask yourself

When I have responsibility for others, do I care more about their welfare or my position?

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.

One of the 108 chosen lessons, close to this verseNever Underestimate the Strength of the SensesSB 9.19.17Next · LeadTeach what you are livingTurn this chapter into a timed class plan or a short reel script.Open Lecture Studio