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Study a Verse
Pick any verse to see what it means and how to use it in your life.
Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 3.21
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः ।
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते ॥ २१ ॥
yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas
tat tad evetaro janaḥ
sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute
lokas tad anuvartate
Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.
Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.ioWhat this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.
3 study points
People follow the actions and standards set by great leaders.
Prabhupāda explains that teachers must follow scripture themselves before teaching others.
For spiritual progress, follow the example of great devotees who live by scripture.
A leader should perform prescribed duties to set an example for others
Definition of ‘Acarya’ — An ideal teacher who teaches by perfect personal behavior
Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ‘teaching’
One should behave properly before he begins teaching
e.g. A leader cannot teach the public to stop smoking if he himself smokes
What are the ‘Standard books/scriptures for humanity’ — The revealed scriptures like Manu Samhita and similar others
What is the ‘basis of leaders’ teachings’ — These should be based on the principles of such standard sastras
FOCUS OF LEARNING — PURPORT 3.21 continued…
Examples of ‘Natural leaders’ and their ‘responsibility’
Natural leaders – The King or the executive head, the father and the school teacher
Responsibility – They have great responsibility to their dependents to help them progress on the spiritual path
Srimad Bhagavatam’s recommendation for progress — Follow in the footsteps of great devotees
Responsibility
Dutifully acting without attachment sets the correct example for others, who are less advanced
Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.
The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.
Key ideas: ācāra, loka-saṅgraha.
Take one thing from this verse into your day.
What behavior of mine are others likely to imitate?
Demonstrate one value through action rather than instruction alone.
Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.
Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.
Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.