Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.19.13
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHigh Position Does Not Excuse Dishonor
“When the son of King Pṛthu was informed by Atri of King Indra’s trick, he immediately became very angry and followed Indra to kill him, calling, “Wait! Wait!””
What the purport teaches
- After Atri revealed Indra’s trick, Pṛthu’s son angrily pursued Indra, calling, “Wait! Wait!”
- The words tiṣṭha tiṣṭha are a kṣatriya’s challenge to a fleeing enemy. A real kṣatriya neither attacks an enemy from behind nor turns his back on the battlefield.
- Although Indra was the exalted King of heaven, stealing the sacrificial horse degraded him. He fled without observing kṣatriya principles.
Try this today
Fulfill one responsibility today that you have been tempted to evade.
Ask yourself
Do I rely on my position or reputation instead of acting honorably?
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.