56 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 6, Ch. 7

Sri-visvaripa uvaca
vigarhitam dharma-silair
brahmavarca-upavyayam
katharn nu mad-vidho natha
lokesair abhiydcitam
pratyakhydsyati tac-chisyah
sa eva svartha ucyate

sri-visvarapah uvdca—Sri Viévaripa said; vigarhitam—condemned;
dharma-silaih—by persons respectful to the religious principles:
brahma-varcah—of brahminical strength or power; upavyayam—
causes loss; katham—how; nu—indeed; mat-vidhah—a person like me:
nathah—O lords; loka-isaih—by the ruling powers of different planets;
abhiyacitam—request; pratydkhydsyati—will refuse; tat-sisyah—
who is on the level of their disciple; sah—that; eva—indeed; sva-
arthah—real interest; ucyate—is described as.

TRANSLATION

Sri Viévarapa 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 en-
tire 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 braéhmana are pathana, pathana, ya-
Jana, 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 yajamdna, 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 ac-
cepted by learned brahmanas. Nevertheless, the greatly learned
brahmana Visvaripa became the priest of the demigods because of his
profound respect for them.
