Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.11.10
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSharp Words Accompany the Battle
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: After thus rebuking Indra, King of heaven, with sharp words, Bali Mahārāja, who could subdue any other hero, drew back to his ear the arrows known as nārācas and attacked Indra with these arrows. Then he again chastised Indra with strong words.”
What the purport teaches
- Bali Mahārāja sharply rebuked Indra, the King of heaven.
- Described as capable of subduing any other hero, he drew the arrows called nārācas back to his ear and attacked Indra.
- After releasing his arrows, Bali Mahārāja again chastised Indra with strong words.
Try this today
Reread the translation slowly and identify the sequence of Bali Mahārāja’s words and actions.
Ask yourself
What do I notice about the combination of sharp words and forceful action in this scene?
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.