Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.54.40
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyBeyond the Pain of Material Conflict
“[Turning to Rukmiṇī, Balarāma continued:] The code of sacred duty for warriors established by Lord Brahmā enjoins that one may have to kill even his own brother. That is indeed a most dreadful law.”
What the purport teaches
- In fairness, Balarāma gives a complete analysis: although one should not kill a relative, military codes allow exceptions. The warrior’s duty established by Lord Brahmā may require even killing a brother.
- Such killing is most dreadful. In the material world, duty, honor and so-called justice often create conflict.
- Only on the spiritual platform, in pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness, can we transcend the pain of material existence. Maddened by pride and envy, Rukmī could not understand Kṛṣṇa or Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Try this today
Set aside a few quiet minutes today to remember Kṛṣṇa and renew your intention to serve Him.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking only a material resolution to conflict, or also cultivating Kṛṣṇa consciousness?
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.