Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.16.23
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyStrong Protection Supports Peace and Prosperity
“When the lion travels in the forest with its tail turned upward, all menial animals hide themselves. Similarly, when King Pṛthu will travel over his kingdom and vibrate the string of his bow, which is made of the horns of goats and bulls and is irresistible in battle, all demoniac rogues and thieves will hide themselves in all directions.”
What the purport teaches
- Pṛthu is compared to a lion whose presence makes other animals hide. His powerful presence will make demoniac rogues and thieves hide in all directions.
- As he travels through his kingdom, he will vibrate the string of his bow, which is irresistible in battle.
- The purport explains that peace and prosperity require rogues and thieves to fear the executive head. A ruler must firmly restrain those who harm others.
Try this today
Identify one situation in your responsibilities where a clear, peaceful boundary could protect someone from harm.
Ask yourself
Why does protecting others sometimes require firmness?
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.