Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.23.36
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSilence Met With Coercion and Accusation
“Although he had taken a vow of silence, they would try to make him speak, and if he did not speak they would beat him with sticks. Others would chastise him, saying, “This man is just a thief.” And others would bind him up with rope, shouting, “Tie him up! Tie him up!””
What the purport teaches
- The brāhmaṇa had taken a vow of silence, but people tried to force him to speak.
- When he did not speak, they beat him with sticks. His silence became an occasion for their violence.
- Others called him a thief and bound him with rope. These accusations were part of their harassment.
Try this today
In one conversation today, give the other person room to remain silent without demanding an answer.
Ask yourself
Can I respect someone’s silence instead of pressuring them to speak?
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.