Reverend Powell: Thank you. The first part of that made me think of Jesus' parable about the talents, that some get two talents, and some five and some ten. And . . .
Prabhupāda: (aside) Come on. Sit down. Thank you. Oh, it is very nice. (sounds of wrapping paper) You can close the door.
Devotee: Close the door.
Prabhupāda: So all our disciples, they are young men.
Reverend Powell: Yes, I noticed.
Prabhupāda: Because they are receptive. And their intelligence is intact. Old man takes time.
Reverend Powell: (laughs) Yes, well, that's very true, sir. Your Grace, what's the parable of the talents, some were given a few, and some were . . .
Prabhupāda: Now, the talents are described. Find that Eighteenth Chapter, śamo damas titikṣā. Then . . .
Reverend Powell: What I'd like to follow through . . . I'd like to hear this, but . . .
Prabhupāda: Talents are divided into three categories: the brahmin category, and the kṣatriya category, the vaiśya category and the śūdra category. They are described here.
Reverend Powell: And this . . .
Prabhupāda: What are the qualifications of a brahmin. Symptoms.
Satsvarūpa:
- śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṁ
- kṣāntir ārjavam eva ca
- jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ
- brahma-karma svabhāva-jam
- (BG 18.42)
"Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge and religiousness—these are the qualities by which the brāhmaṇas work."
Prabhupāda: This is first-quality man.