Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.18.41
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyHeavy Punishment for a Small Offense
“The father heard from his son that the King had been cursed, although he should never have been condemned, for he was the best amongst all human beings. The ṛṣi did not congratulate his son, but, on the contrary, began to repent, saying: Alas! What a great sinful act was performed by my son. He has awarded heavy punishment for an insignificant offense.”
What the purport teaches
- In the Vedic way of life, a king is trained to become a rājarṣi, a saintly ruler. His good government allows citizens to live peacefully and without fear.
- Mahārāja Parīkṣit was a good and pious king who should not have been condemned. His insignificant offense did not justify a sentence of death.
- Śamīka Ṛṣi did not congratulate his son or approve his action. He lamented that Śṛṅgi had committed a great sin by imposing such heavy punishment.
Try this today
Before correcting someone today, check that your response is proportionate to the mistake.
Ask yourself
Can I recognize wrongdoing even when it comes from someone close to me?
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.