by knowledge not age

 
Imported quote 13608
The word vrddhasrayam is very significant in this verse. Vrddha refers to one who is advanced in knowledge. There are two kinds of old men-he who is advanced in years and he who is experienced in knowledge. One who is advanced in knowledge is actually vrddha (jnana-vrddha); one does not become vrddha simply by advancing in age. Vrddhasrayam, a person who takes shelter of a superior person who is advanced in knowledge, can acquire all the good qualities of a brahmana and be trained in good behavior. When one actually attains good qualities, becomes grateful for the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and takes shelter of a bona fide spiritual master, he is endowed with all opulence. Such a person is a brahmana or Vaisnava. Therefore Prthu Maharaja invokes the blessings and mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, with His associates, devotees, Vaisnavas, brahmanas and cows.    (More...)

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