TEXT 35
sri-visvarupa uvaca
vigarhitam dharma-silair
brahmavarca-upavyayam
katham nu mad-vidho natha
lokesair abhiyacitam
pratyakhyasyati tac-chisyah
sa eva svartha ucyate
SYNONYMS
sri-visvarupah uvacaSri Visvarupa said; vigarhitamcondemned; dharma-silaihby persons respectful to the religious principles; brahma-varcahof brahminical strength or power; upavyayamcauses loss; kathamhow; nuindeed; mat-vidhaha person like me; nathahO lords; loka-isaihby the ruling powers of different planets; abhiyacitamrequest; pratyakhyasyatiwill refuse; tat-sisyahwho is on the level of their disciple; sahthat; evaindeed; sva-arthahreal interest; ucyateis described as.
TRANSLATION
Sri Visvarupa said: O demigods, although the acceptance of priesthood is decried as causing the loss of previously acquired brahminical power, how can someone like me refuse to accept your personal request? You are all exalted commanders of the entire universe. I am your disciple and must take many lessons from you. Therefore I cannot refuse you. I must agree for my own benefit.
PURPORT
The professions of a qualified brahmana are pathana, pathana, yajana, yajana, dana and pratigraha. The words yajana and yajana mean that a brahmana becomes the priest of the populace for the sake of their elevation. One who accepts the post of spiritual master neutralizes the sinful reactions of the yajamana, the one on whose behalf he performs yajna. Thus the results of the pious acts previously performed by the priest or spiritual master are diminished. Therefore priesthood is not accepted by learned brahmanas. Nevertheless, the greatly learned brahmana Visvarupa became the priest of the demigods because of his profound respect for them.

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