Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.7.43
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyRecognize Qualification and Remain Compassionate
“She could not tolerate Aśvatthāmā’s being bound by ropes, and being a devoted lady, she said: Release him, release him, for he is a brāhmaṇa, our spiritual master.”
What the purport teaches
- Draupadī could not tolerate seeing her teacher's son bound like a culprit and asked for his release. Her response followed customary respect for the teacher's family.
- A brāhmaṇa is recognized by qualification, not simply by birth. A spiritual master who proves unworthy of the position is liable to be rejected.
- A pure devotee can tolerate personal suffering yet remain kind even to an enemy. The purport recognizes this good sentiment in Draupadī.
Try this today
Avoid one unkind remark today about someone who has hurt or disappointed you.
Ask yourself
How can I combine clear judgment of someone's qualifications with kindness toward them?
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.