Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.30
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyStrength Joined With Compassion
“Mahārāja Parīkṣit, who was qualified to accept surrender and worthy of being sung in history, did not kill the poor surrendered and fallen Kali, but smiled compassionately, for he was kind to the poor.”
What the purport teaches
- Even an ordinary kṣatriya does not kill someone who has surrendered. Mahārāja Parīkṣit spared the fallen Kali.
- The King was naturally compassionate and kind to the poor. He was worthy of accepting surrender even from an enemy.
- Kali’s timely surrender saved him from the King’s sword by the will of providence. Mahārāja Parīkṣit’s kindness and glory are therefore remembered in history.
Try this today
If someone sincerely admits a fault today, respond gently rather than humiliate them.
Ask yourself
How do I respond when someone who opposed me becomes humble and asks for mercy?
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.