Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.22.14-15
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyRespect the Elder Brother’s Right
“Because the King was able to make everyone happy for sense gratification, primarily by the touch of his hand, his name was Śāntanu. Once, when there was no rainfall in the kingdom for twelve years and the King consulted his learned brahminical advisors, they said, “You are faulty for enjoying the property of your elder brother. For the elevation of your kingdom and home, you should return the kingdom to him.””
What the purport teaches
- Śāntanu received his name because he could make people happy for sense gratification, primarily through the touch of his hand.
- After twelve years without rainfall, he consulted learned brahminical advisors. They told him to return the kingdom to his elder brother for the welfare of his kingdom and home.
- The purport explains that one cannot enjoy sovereignty or perform an agnihotra-yajña in the presence of one’s elder brother. Otherwise, one becomes a usurper, known as parivettā.
Try this today
Check whether something you are using belongs to someone else, and return it if appropriate.
Ask yourself
How willing am I to hear advice that challenges my claim to something?
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.