Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.17.35
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesFirm Authority Restrains Disturbance
“Śrī Sūta Gosvāmī said: The personality of Kali, thus being ordered by Mahārāja Parīkṣit, began to tremble in fear. Seeing the King before him like Yamarāja, ready to kill him, Kali spoke to the King as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Parīkṣit was ready to punish Kali if he disobeyed, but otherwise allowed him to live. His decision depended on Kali’s obedience.
- After trying various ways to escape punishment, Kali decided to surrender. He trembled before the King in fear for his life.
- The purport stresses that rulers must be strong enough to restrain those who disturb citizens. Their protective orders must carry real authority.
Try this today
Follow one protective rule today that you have been tempted to ignore.
Ask yourself
Where do I need to accept a rightful boundary rather than look for ways around it?
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.