Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.13.8
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionAffection Protects and Corrects
“Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira said: My uncle, do you remember how you always protected us, along with our mother, from all sorts of calamities? Your partiality, like the wings of a bird, saved us from poisoning and arson.”
What the purport teaches
- Vidura carefully protected the Pāṇḍavas and their widowed mother from calamities. Yudhiṣṭhira compared his protection to the shelter of a bird’s wings.
- Although Vidura faithfully served Dhṛtarāṣṭra, he opposed his political ambitions for his own sons. He criticized harmful policies and chastised Duryodhana for plotting against his cousins.
- Vidura’s warnings helped the Pāṇḍavas escape the planned burning of their residence. His affection included both protecting those in danger and trying to restrain those causing harm.
Try this today
Thank someone today for a specific time they protected or wisely warned you.
Ask yourself
Can I care for someone without supporting their harmful choices?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.