Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.54.34
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionCompassion Even Toward the Wicked
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Rukmiṇī’s utter fear caused her limbs to tremble and her mouth to dry up, while her throat choked up out of sorrow. And in her agitation her golden necklace scattered. She grasped Kṛṣṇa’s feet, and the Lord, feeling compassionate, desisted.”
What the purport teaches
- Rukmiṇī’s fear and sorrow made her tremble, dried her mouth and choked her throat. She grasped Kṛṣṇa’s feet.
- Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī quotes the worldly rule that one’s sister is the personification of mercy.
- Although Rukmī was wicked and opposed his sister’s best interest, Rukmiṇī felt compassion for him. The Lord shared her compassion and desisted.
Try this today
Pray today for the well-being of one person whose conduct has hurt you.
Ask yourself
Can I wish for mercy for someone who has acted against my interests?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.