Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.4.23
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKnowledge Must Accompany Humble Repentance
“Kaṁsa begged, “My dear sister and brother-in-law, please be merciful to such a poor-hearted person as me, since both of you are saintly persons. Please excuse my atrocities.” Having said this, Kaṁsa fell at the feet of Vasudeva and Devakī, his eyes full of tears of regret.”
What the purport teaches
- Although Kaṁsa had spoken nicely about real knowledge, his past deeds were abominable and atrocious.
- He admitted his sinfulness and begged forgiveness from Devakī and Vasudeva, appealing to their saintly mercy.
- With tears of regret, Kaṁsa fell at their feet. His plea included both an admission of wrongdoing and a humble gesture.
Try this today
Offer one sincere apology today for a wrong you have done, without trying to excuse it.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to admit wrongdoing rather than only explain myself?
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.