Special duty

Expressions researched:
"special duties" |"special duty"

SB Canto 1

The soldiers were recruited from all parts of the world, and they were trained for special duties

SB 1.9.27, Purport: The king had to see that the reserved energy of humanity was properly utilized. Human energy is meant not exactly for fulfilling animal propensities, but for self-realization. The whole government was specifically designed to fulfill this particular purpose. As such, the king had to select properly the cabinet ministers, but not on the strength of voting background. The ministers, the military commanders and even the ordinary soldiers were all selected by personal qualification, and the king had to supervise them properly before they were appointed to their respective posts. The king was especially vigilant to see that the tapasvis, or persons who sacrificed everything for disseminating spiritual knowledge, were never disregarded. The king knew well that the Supreme Personality of Godhead never tolerates any insult to His unalloyed devotees. Such tapasvis were trusted leaders even of the rogues and thieves, who would never disobey the orders of tapasvis. The king would give special protection to illiterates, the helpless and widows of the state. Defense measures were arranged previous to any attack by the enemies. The taxing process was easy, and it was not meant for squandering, but was for strengthening the reserve fund. The soldiers were recruited from all parts of the world, and they were trained for special duties.

SB Canto 2

And since it has been ascertained that the Lord is the Supersoul of everything, He should therefore be heard and glorified everywhere and always. That is the special duty of the human being

SB 2.2.36, Purport: But out of all the nine different methods, the first one, namely hearing, is the most important function in the process of bhakti-yoga. Without hearing sufficiently and properly, no one can make any progress by any of the methods of practice. And for hearing only, all the Vedic literatures are there, compiled by authorized persons like Vyasadeva, who is the powerful incarnation of Godhead. And since it has been ascertained that the Lord is the Supersoul of everything, He should therefore be heard and glorified everywhere and always. That is the special duty of the human being. When the human being gives up the process of hearing about the all-pervading Personality of Godhead, he becomes victim to hearing rubbish transmitted by man-made machines. Machinery is not bad because through the machine one can take advantage of hearing about the Lord, but because machinery is used for ulterior purposes, it is creating rapid degradation in the standard of human civilization. It is said here that it is incumbent upon the human beings to hear because the scriptures like Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam are made for that purpose.

SB Canto 7

As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (18.44), kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyam-agriculture, cow protection and trade-are special duties of gṛhasthas

SB 7.14 Summary: As for the maintenance of his family, a grhastha, while earning what he requires for his living, must be very conscientious and must not undergo extraordinary endeavor simply to accumulate money and unnecessarily increase in material comforts. Although a grhastha should externally be very active in earning his livelihood, he should internally be situated as a fully self-realized person, without attachment for material gains. His dealings with family members or friends should be performed simply to fulfill their purpose; one should not be extravagantly engaged in this way. Instructions from family members and society should be accepted superficially, but in essence the grhastha should be engaged in occupational duties advised by the spiritual master and sastra. Specifically a grhastha should engage in agricultural activities to earn money. As stated in Bhagavad-gita (18.44), krsi-go-raksya-vanijyam-agriculture, cow protection and trade-are special duties of grhasthas. If by chance or by the grace of the Lord more money comes, it should be properly engaged for the Krsna consciousness movement. One should not be eager to earn more money simply for sensual pleasure. A grhastha should always remember that one who is endeavoring to accumulate more money than necessary is to be considered a thief and is punishable by the laws of nature.

CC Adi-lila

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu was born in Bengal and Bengalis therefore have a special duty toward Him

CC Adi 9.41, Purport: The magnanimity of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is expressed in this very important verse. Although He was born in Bengal and Bengalis therefore have a special duty toward Him, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is addressing not only Bengalis but all the inhabitants of India. It is in the land of India that actual human civilization can be developed.

General Lectures

Just like Prahlāda Mahārāja. When he was put into danger, then Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva came personally to give him protection. That is the special duty of God

Lecture -- Honolulu, May 25, 1975:: There is a verse, samo 'ham sarva-bhutesu na me dvesyo 'sti na priyah [Bg. 9.29]. Krsna says God must be equal to everyone. God is one, so He is giving everyone food. The birds, beasts, they are getting food. The elephant he is also getting food. So who is supplying him food? Krsna, God is supplying. So in that way He is equal to everyone in ordinary dealing. But especially deals with the devotees. Just like Prahlada Maharaja. When he was put into danger, then Lord Nrsimhadeva came personally to give him protection. That is the special duty of God. That is not unnatural. If somebody says, "God is partial, that He takes special care of His devotee," no, that is not partiality. Just like a gentleman, in the neighborhood, he loves all children, but when his own child is in danger, he takes special care. That is not unnatural. You cannot blame him that "Why you are taking special care of your own child?" No. That is natural.]]: "One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of India [Bharata-varsa] should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people. The magnanimity of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is expressed in this very important verse. Although He was born in Bengal and Bengalis therefore have a special duty toward Him, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is addressing not only Bengalis but all the inhabitants of India. It is in the land of India that actual human civilization can be developed.

1972 Conversations and Morning Walks

Any Indian, any man who has taken birth on the soil of Bhāratavarṣa, India, he has got a special duty. And that duty is to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness

Room Conversation -- June 29, 1972, San Diego: Prabhupada: So the Indians who are outside India, they have got a special duty. So far our economic condition is concerned, as I explained yesterday, that one is destined to certain material comforts and discomforts, according to his body -- already he has got. So either you stay in India or you stay in America, the bodily comforts or sense gratification, that will be achieved either in India or America. What you are destined to achieve, you will have it because as soon as your body is manufactured, your standard of comfort and discomfort is also manufactured. In Bengal there is a proverb that yetha deoya bhange, kapala yabe sange(?): "Wherever you go, your fortune will go with you." Fortune and misfortune, that will also go with you. So Caitanya Mahaprabhu said one thing, that "Any Indian, any man who has taken birth on the soil of Bharatavarsa, India, he has got a special duty. And that duty is to spread Krsna consciousness."

1967 Correspondence

I think his father has got a special duty to protect this child in his K.C.; The mother has also similar responsibility, so either your wife or yourself must take care of the good child

Letter to Rupanuga -- Vrindaban 9 September, 1967: You have a problem before you in respect to living separate from your wife. If your wife keeps herself peaceful living separately from you, I think you can arrange for the time being like that, but in my opinion, this business of separation may not be developed into a case of divorce. So far Eric is concerned, he is developing K.C. from very childhood, and it is a great opportunity on a human being. I think his father has got a special duty to protect this child in his K.C.; The mother has also similar responsibility, so either your wife or yourself must take care of the good child. If you wife takes charge of him, then you become completely free personally, and you can live in the temple with other brahmacharies, either in N.Y. or elsewhere as you think best. If however, your wife leaves the child with you, then you can take care of him; that will be nice. But I think it is very difficult, because he is not sufficiently grown up. Anyway, both your wife and yourself cannot think of marrying again; that is not my advice. Even if your wife decides to marry again, for your part you should forget it; and if by the Grace of Krishna you can live peacefully without any wife, completely devoted to K.C., that will be the best part of your life. You can love and put all your affection to the child, and try to make him fully K.C.

1972 Correspondence

Lord Caitanya has predicted that this chanting of Hare Krishna would be spread to every town and village and it is the special duty of every Indian to see that it is done

Letter to Mr. Ravel -- Hyderabad 23 November, 1972:

Yes it is a fact that this material world is a place of tortures and only by taking shelter of the Spiritual Master and Lord Krishna can one obtain relief. So it is very good that you have come to this realization. Now you must show Krishna that you are sincere and determined by taking to the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra. When Krishna sees that you are sincere He will bestow all blessings upon you. You will then find that this material world is no more difficult to cross then the water in the hoof-print of a calf. So, if it is possible you can join us in this sankirtana movement. Lord Caitanya has predicted that this chanting of Hare Krishna would be spread to every town and village and it is the special duty of every Indian to see that it is done. I personally have taken it up and I would be very happy to have your help. You are already doing much to help me, for this I am grateful. All my disciples who know you speak that you are doing very nice service. So continue in this way and surely Krishna will bless you.

Hoping this meets you in good health.

1975 Correspondence

Krishna has given you a special duty, so carry it very faithfully and enthusiastically

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Honolulu 31 January, 1975: Your report is very very encouraging. It means really preaching Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's message. Do that and be blessed. Krishna has given you a special duty, so carry it very faithfully and enthusiastically. The more you preach, the more you become recognized by Krishna and the more He gives you intelligence how to preach. You are a good representative of Radha Damodara. You are very fortunate that Radha Damodara is traveling with you and giving strength and intelligence. All glories to the assembled devotees.