Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 53
Arjuna Marries Subhadrā; Kṛṣṇa Honors Two Devotees in Mithilā (Śrutadeva and Bahulāśva)
ब्राह्मणो जन्मना श्रेयान् सर्वेषां प्राणिनामिह । तपसा विद्यया तुष्ट्या किमु मत्कलया युत: ॥ ५३ ॥
brāhmaṇo janmanā śreyān sarveṣām prāṇinām iha tapasā vidyayā tuṣṭyā kim u mat-kalayā yutaḥ
By his very birth, a brāhmaṇa is the best of all living beings in this world, and he becomes even more exalted when he is endowed with austerity, learning and self-satisfaction, what to speak of devotion to Me.
FAQs
This verse highlights tapas (austerity), vidyā (sacred learning), and tuṣṭi (contentment) as key brāhmaṇical qualities, and says the brāhmaṇa becomes even more venerable when connected to the Lord’s divine potency through devotion.
In the Dvārakā context, Kṛṣṇa teaches proper dharma by honoring brāhmaṇas and emphasizing that real greatness is not merely social status but the cultivation of austerity, knowledge, satisfaction, and spiritual connection to Him.
Practice self-discipline (tapas) through regulated habits, pursue scriptural and spiritual study (vidyā), and cultivate gratitude and simplicity (tuṣṭi); then offer these qualities in devotion to Kṛṣṇa for genuine spiritual elevation.