Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.15.38
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyHeroism Does Not Justify Unnecessary Killing
“O great hero, my dear son Paraśurāma, you have unnecessarily killed the king, who is supposed to be the embodiment of all the demigods. Thus you have committed a sin.”
What the purport teaches
- Jamadagni addressed Paraśurāma affectionately as his dear son and a great hero.
- He said that Paraśurāma had unnecessarily killed the king, who is supposed to embody all the demigods.
- Jamadagni called this killing sinful. His recognition of his son’s heroism did not prevent him from correcting the deed.
Try this today
Before acting on anger today, pause and ask whether your action would cause unnecessary harm.
Ask yourself
Can I accept correction even when I feel justified in my actions?
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.