Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.14.13
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSpeak Gently Even When Angry
“The great sages, having thus decided, approached King Vena. Concealing their real anger, they pacified him with sweet words and then spoke as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- Having reached their decision, the great sages approached King Vena. They spoke to him directly.
- The sages concealed their real anger. They did not let that anger determine their outward manner.
- They first pacified Vena with sweet words. Their approach prepared the way for what they had to say.
Try this today
Before one difficult conversation today, pause and choose a gentle opening sentence.
Ask yourself
How might gentle words change a difficult conversation I need to have?
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.