Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.4.11
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyControl Anger and Follow Responsible Examples
“The path of goodness traversed by your father, grandfather and great-grandfathers is that of maintaining the subjects [prajās], including the men, animals and trees. That is the path you should follow. Unnecessary anger is contrary to your duty. Therefore I request you to control your anger.”
What the purport teaches
- Soma urges the Pracetās to follow the path of goodness walked by their father, grandfather and great-grandfathers: maintaining their subjects.
- The word prajā includes all who have taken birth within a government’s jurisdiction. Responsible rulers protect human beings, animals and other living beings.
- An exalted royal family earns its position through protection and responsibility. Unnecessary anger is contrary to this duty and should be controlled.
Try this today
Before responding to one frustration today, pause and choose an action that protects rather than harms those in your care.
Ask yourself
Which example of responsible care could help you control anger and fulfil your duties?
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.