Text 7] The Characteristics of Rsabhadeva 147

TRANSLATION
O Maharaja Pariksit, to glorify Maharaja Nabhi, the old sages
composed two verses. One of them is this: ‘‘Who can attain the
perfection of Maharaja Nabhi? Who can attain his activities?
Because of his devotional service, the Supreme Personality of
Godhead agreed to become his son.”

PURPORT

The words suddhena karmané are significant in this verse. If work is
not carried out in devotional service, it is contaminated by the modes of
material nature. That is explained in Bhagavad-gita: yajnarthat kar-
mano ’nyatra loko ’yari karma-bandhanah. Activities performed only
for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord are pure and are not contami-
nated by the modes of material nature. All other activities are contami-
nated by the modes of ignorance and passion, as well as goodness. All
material activities meant for satisfying the senses are contaminated. and
Maharaja Nabhi did not perform anything contaminated. He simply exe-
cuted his transcendental activities even when performing yajria. Conse-
quently he obtained the Supreme Lord as his son.

TEXT 7
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brahmanyo ’nyah kuto nabher
vipra mangala-pijitah

yasya barhisi yajnesarn
darsayam Gsur ojasa

brahmanyah—a devotee of the brahmanas; anyah—any other:
kutah—where is: ndbheh—besides Maharaja Nabhi: viprah—the
brahmanas; mangala-piijitah—well worshiped and satisfied: yasya—ot
whom; barhisi—in the sacrificial arena: yajria-isam—the Supreme Per-
sonality of Godhead, the enjoyer of all sacrificial ceremonies: darsayam
dsuh—showed; ojasa—by their brahminical prowess.
