Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.11.3
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSobriety and Tolerance Amid Conflict
“Sober and tolerant and well equipped with paraphernalia for fighting, Bali Mahārāja moved before Indra on the great battlefield. King Indra, who always carries the thunderbolt in his hand, rebuked Bali Mahārāja as follows.”
What the purport teaches
- Bali Mahārāja was sober and tolerant as he moved on the great battlefield.
- He was also well equipped for fighting. His tolerance did not mean a lack of preparation.
- As Bali Mahārāja stood before him, Indra, who carries the thunderbolt, began to rebuke him.
Try this today
During one difficult conversation today, listen calmly before replying.
Ask yourself
When someone rebukes me, can I remain sober and tolerant?
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.