Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.5.44
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesTolerance Opens the Way to Mercy
“Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: My dear King, since Nārada Muni is an approved saintly person, when cursed by Prajāpati Dakṣa he replied, “tad bāḍham: Yes, what you have said is good. I accept this curse.” He could have cursed Prajāpati Dakṣa in return, but because he is a tolerant and merciful sādhu, he took no action.”
What the purport teaches
- Nārada Muni accepted Dakṣa’s curse without retaliating, though he had the power to curse him in return. A sādhu is tolerant, merciful, peaceful and friendly to all living entities.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu teaches that one should be humbler than grass, more tolerant than a tree and ready to respect others. In this state of mind, one can constantly chant the Lord’s holy name.
- Nārada deliberately stayed to hear Dakṣa’s harsh words so that Dakṣa could become relieved of anger. He hoped Dakṣa would repent, become a Vaiṣṇava and be delivered.
Try this today
Chant the Lord’s holy name for a few minutes today, consciously setting aside pride and cultivating respect for others.
Ask yourself
When criticized, can I seek the other person’s spiritual good rather than an opportunity to retaliate?
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.