Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.16.12
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyRemain Neutral Amid Praise and Blame
“King Pṛthu will be able to see all the internal and external activities of every one of his citizens. Still, no one will be able to know his system of espionage, and he himself will remain neutral regarding all matters of glorification or vilification paid to him. He will be exactly like air, the life force within the body, which is exhibited internally and externally but is always neutral to all affairs.”
What the purport teaches
- King Pṛthu would know the internal and external activities of his citizens.
- His system of espionage would remain unknown to others, while he would remain neutral toward praise and blame.
- He is compared to air, the life force within the body, which acts internally and externally yet remains neutral.
Try this today
When praised or criticized today, pause before responding and try to remain steady.
Ask yourself
How much do praise and blame disturb my ability to remain neutral?
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.