Shloka 4
Ajāmila Delivered: Viṣṇudūtas Establish the Supremacy of the Holy Name
यद्यदाचरति श्रेयानितरस्तत्तदीहते । स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते ॥ ४ ॥
yad yad ācarati śreyān itaras tat tad īhate sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute lokas tad anuvartate
Wie der Vorzügliche handelt, so handeln die anderen; was er als Maßstab (pramāṇa) setzt, dem folgt die Welt.
Although Ajāmila was not punishable, the Yamadūtas were insisting on taking him away to Yamarāja for punishment. This was adharma, contrary to religious principles. The Viṣṇudūtas feared that if such irreligious acts were allowed, the management of human society would be spoiled. In modern times, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is trying to introduce the right principles of management for human society, but unfortunately the governments of Kali-yuga do not properly support the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement because they do not appreciate its valuable service. The Hare Kṛṣṇa movement is the right movement for ameliorating the fallen condition of human society, and therefore governments and public leaders in every part of the world should support this movement to completely rectify humanity’s sinful condition.
FAQs
This verse teaches that society naturally imitates the conduct and standards established by a truly exemplary person; therefore, personal behavior becomes a public guide.
In the discussion surrounding Ajāmila and the intervention of the Viṣṇudūtas, Śukadeva highlights how authoritative standards shape people’s actions—showing why true dharma must be clearly established and lived.
Live your values consistently—especially as a parent, teacher, leader, or practitioner—because others will copy your habits and accept your standards as “normal.”