Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.26.21
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyReceive Correction with Humility
“King Purañjana said: My dear beautiful wife, when a master accepts a servant as his own man, but does not punish him for his offenses, the servant must be considered unfortunate.”
What the purport teaches
- Purañjana accepted his Queen’s displeasure as love and mercy. The purport distinguishes correction meant to help from punishment motivated by vengeance.
- A devotee accepts reversals in life as the Supreme Lord’s mercy, considering the consequences of past misdeeds to have been made mild. He responds with further prayers and obeisances.
- Correction is beneficial when it helps a person avoid repeating a mistake. Accepting it with humility is a sign of intelligence.
Try this today
Recall one correction you have received and choose one concrete step to avoid repeating that mistake.
Ask yourself
How can I respond to correction with humility rather than resentment?
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.