Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.10.17
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyTake Offenses to Devotees Seriously
“My dear sir, I am not at all afraid of the thunderbolt of King Indra, nor am I afraid of the serpentine, piercing trident of Lord Śiva. I do not care about the punishment of Yamarāja, the superintendent of death, nor am I afraid of fire, scorching sun, moon, wind, nor the weapons of Kuvera. Yet I am afraid of offending a brāhmaṇa. I am very much afraid of this.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Rahūgaṇa feared offending a brāhmaṇa more than powerful weapons or punishment. He understood the seriousness of his offense against Jaḍa Bharata.
- Offending a Vaiṣṇava is compared to a mad elephant entering a garden. Just as the elephant destroys fruits and flowers, such an offense spoils one’s spiritual assets.
- The King frankly admitted his fault. He descended from his palanquin and bowed at Jaḍa Bharata’s feet to seek forgiveness.
Try this today
If you have spoken disrespectfully to a devotee, offer a simple apology today without defending your words.
Ask yourself
When I speak disrespectfully to a devotee, am I ready to admit my fault?
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.