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TEXT 23
pitryam ca sthanam atistha
yathoktam brahmavadibhih
mayy avesya manas tata
kuru karmani mat-parah
SYNONYMS
pitryampaternal; caalso; sthanamplace, throne; atisthasit upon; yatha-uktamas described; brahmavadibhihby the followers of Vedic civilization; mayiunto Me; avesyabeing fully absorbed; manahthe mind; tataMy dear boy; kurujust execute; karmanithe regulative duties; mat-parahjust for the sake of My work.
TRANSLATION
After performing the ritualistic ceremonies, take charge of your fathers kingdom. Sit upon the throne and do not be disturbed by materialistic activities. Please keep your mind fixed upon Me. Without transgressing the injunctions of the Vedas, as a matter of formality you may perform your particular duties.
PURPORT
When one becomes a devotee, he no longer has any duty to the Vedic regulative principles. One has many duties to perform, but if one becomes fully devoted to the Lord, he no longer has any such obligations. As stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.5.41):
One who has fully surrendered to the lotus feet of the Lord is no longer a debtor to his forefathers, the great sages, human society, the common man or any living entity.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead nonetheless advised Prahlada Maharaja to follow the regulative principles, for since he was going to be the king, others would follow his example. Thus Lord Nrsimhadeva advised Prahlada Maharaja to engage in his political duties so that people would become the Lords devotees.
Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues. (Bg. 3.21) One should not be attached to any materialistic activities, but a devotee may perform such activities as an example to show the common man that one should not deviate from the Vedic injunctions.
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