Culture and Quality

"Svayambhuva Manu was the emperor, but he went to offer his qualified daughter to a poor brahmana. Kardama Muni had no worldly possessions, he was a hermit living in the forest, but he was advanced in culture. Therefore, in offering one's daughter to a person, the culture and quality are counted as prominent, not wealth or any other material consideration." (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.22.13 Bhaktivedanta purport).

The famous Emperor Svayambhuva Manu possessed immense wealth and power, but he handed her over his beautiful daughter to a penniless hermit in the forest. Princess Devahuti happily gave up her opulent palace residence to live in a simple forest hut, because she wanted to marry Kardama Muni. The sage Kardama was not materially wealthy, but he possessed spiritual wealth in the form of knowledge, austerity, and devotion to God. And he was not politically powerful, but he possessed spiritual powers that were unlimited by earthly constraints.

Lord Siva (the most powerful of all the demigods) is also considered to be an ideal husband, and is traditionally worshipped by unmarried girls who are seeking a good husband. Although he is married (his wife is the goddess Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas), he lives as an ascetic, devoid of material possessions, and absorbed in meditation.

This is not to say that married couples should live in a mountain cave or in the forest. Economic development is a normal part of household life. However, the above examples serve to illustrate that one who appreciates the value of spiritual knowledge should give priority to culture and quality rather than wealth and position when seeking a life partner. Wealth, fame and position are temporary boons that come and go according to karma, while spiritual advancement is never lost.

"In this endeavour there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear." (Bhagavad-gita As It Is 2.40.)

"Artwork courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
www.krishna.com. Used with permission."