Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.2.33
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesChoose Tolerance Over Quarreling
“The sage Maitreya said: When such cursing and countercursing was going on between Lord Śiva’s followers and the parties of Dakṣa and Bhṛgu, Lord Śiva became very morose. Not saying anything, he left the arena of the sacrifice, followed by his disciples.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śiva showed excellent character by remaining sober and silent during the cursing and countercursing. The purport describes him as the topmost Vaiṣṇava and emphasizes a Vaiṣṇava’s tolerance.
- He was saddened because both parties were quarreling without interest in spiritual life. Seeing everyone from the spiritual platform, he did not regard anyone as lower or higher.
- Lord Śiva left the sacrifice with his disciples to stop the exchange of curses. His departure showed restraint rather than a desire to answer hostility with hostility.
Try this today
If a quarrel arises today, pause before replying and, if needed, step away without adding harsh words.
Ask yourself
When disagreement arises, do I protect my interest in spiritual life or become absorbed in answering others?
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.