Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.13.24
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesPractice Tolerance and Humbly Seek Forgiveness
“Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: My dear King, O son of mother Uttarā, there were some waves of dissatisfaction in the mind of Jaḍa Bharata due to his being insulted by King Rahūgaṇa, who made him carry his palanquin, but Jaḍa Bharata neglected this, and his heart again became calm and quiet like an ocean. Although King Rahūgaṇa had insulted him, he was a great paramahaṁsa. Being a Vaiṣṇava, he was naturally very kindhearted, and he therefore told the King about the constitutional position of the soul. He then forgot the insult because King Rahūgaṇa pitifully begged pardon at his lotus feet. After this, he began to wander all over the earth, just as before.”
What the purport teaches
- A saintly devotee is tolerant, kindhearted and a friend to all living entities. Such a devotee does not create enemies.
- Although Jaḍa Bharata was disturbed by the insult, he became calm and instructed Rahūgaṇa about the soul. When the King humbly begged pardon, Jaḍa Bharata forgave him.
- Anyone wishing to return to Godhead should humbly seek pardon from Vaiṣṇavas they have offended. Without seeking forgiveness, the reactions to an offense remain.
Try this today
If you have offended a devotee, offer a sincere apology today without making excuses.
Ask yourself
Is there an offense I need to acknowledge rather than defend?
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.