202 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 5, Ch. 5

tesam—of them: akiricanéndm—without needs or without possessions;
mayi—unto Me: bhakti-bhajam—executing devotional service.

TRANSLATION

I am fully opulent, almighty and superior to Lord Brahma and
Indra, the King of the heavenly planets. I am also the bestower of
all happiness obtained in the heavenly kingdom and by liberation.
Nonetheless, the brahmanas do not seek material comforts from
Me. They are very pure and do not want to possess anything. They
simply engage in My devotional service. What is the need of their
asking for material benefits from anyone else?

PURPORT

The perfect brahminical qualification is stated herein: akificanadnam
mayi bhakti-bhajam. The brahmanas are always engaged in the devo-
tional service of the Lord: consequently they have no material wants, nor
do they possess material things. In Caitanya-caritamrta (Madhya 11.8),
Caitanya Mahaprabhu explains the position of pure Vaisnavas who are
anxious to return home. back to Godhead. Niskiricanasya bhagavad-bha-
Janonmukhasya. Those who actually want to return back to Godhead are
niskifcana—that is, they have no desire for material comfort. Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu advises, sandarsanam visayindm atha yositam ca
ha hanta hanta visa-bhaksanato ‘py asddhu: material opulence and
sense gratification through the association of women are more dangerous
than poison. Brahmanas who are pure Vaisnavas always engage in the
Lord’s service and are-devoid of any desire for material gain. The
brahmanas do not worship demigods like Lord Brahma, Indra or Lord
Siva for any material comfort. They do not even ask the Supreme Lord
for material profit; therefore it is concluded that the brahmanas are the
supreme living entities of this world. Sri Kapiladeva also confirms this in

Srimad-Bhagavatam (3.29.33):

tasman mayy arpitasesa-
kriyarthétma nirantarah

mayy arpitatmanah pumso
mayi sannyasta-karmanah
