A first-class brāhmaṇa does not accept any rewards from his disciples or yajamānas. Practicing austerities and penances, he instead goes to the agricultural field and collects food grains left by the agriculturalists to be collected by brāhmaṇas. Similarly, such brāhmaṇas go to marketplaces where grains are purchased and sold wholesale, and there they collect grains left by the merchants. In this way, such exalted brāhmaṇas maintain their bodies and families. Such priests never demand anything from their disciples to live in opulence, imitating kṣatriyas or vaiśyas. In other words, a pure brāhmaṇa voluntarily accepts a life of poverty and lives in complete dependence on the mercy of the Lord.

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class on Tue 3rd May 2022 by His Grace Kesava Prabhu 6.7.34 by Hare Krishna Melbourne

It does not matter whether one is a brāhmaṇa, śūdra, gṛhastha or sannyāsī. These are all material designations. A spiritually advanced person has nothing to do with such designations. Therefore, if one is advanced in the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, regardless of his position in human society, he may become a spiritual master.

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class on Sun 1st May 2022 by His Grace Prabhav Prabhu 6.7.24 by Hare Krishna Melbourne

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class on Sun 30th Apr 2022 by Madhavānanda Dāsa 6.7.23 by Hare Krishna Melbourne

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class on Sat 29th Apr 2022 by Hanumān Dāsa 6.7.22 by Hare Krishna Melbourne

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class on Fri 28th Jan 2022 by His Grace Aniruddha Prabhu 6.7.16 by Hare Krishna Melbourne

“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.” One should fully surrender unto the spiritual master and with service (sevayā) one should approach him for further spiritual enlightenment.

One who boards a boat made of stone is doomed. To be elevated to the stage of perfection, humanity must first give up false leaders who present boats of stone. All of human society is in such a dangerous position that to be rescued it must abide by the standard instructions of the Vedas. The cream of these instructions appears in the form of Bhagavad-gītā. One should not take shelter of any other instructions, for Bhagavad-gītā gives direct instructions on how to fulfill the aim of human life.

When Lord Kṛṣṇa was sitting on His throne and Nārada fortunately entered His assembly, even Lord Kṛṣṇa immediately stood up with His officers and ministers to offer respectful obeisances to Nārada. Nārada knew that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and Kṛṣṇa knew that Nārada was His devotee, but although Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Lord and Nārada is the Lord’s devotee, the Lord observed the religious etiquette.