Lives & Turning Points of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

Canto 9 · 4 moments

Durvāsā Muni

Anger humbled by devotion

Spiritual stature does not justify fury

A life that changesThe text shows a real change of motive, understanding or conduct.AngerHumilityForgiveness

1Where it begins
Durvāsā’s rage toward a devoted king ends in danger, instruction and repentance.
2The test
How does one respond after discovering that anger was misplaced?
3The turn
He seeks shelter after learning the supremacy of the Lord’s devotees.
4What it teaches
The reversal exposes pride and reveals the Lord’s affection for His devotees.

The journey

Moment by moment

Tap a point or a step

Bhakti shownPressure in the story0–10, an editorial reading of each passage

Moment 1 of 4 · SB 9.4

The vow dispute

Durvāsā reacts angrily to Ambarīṣa’s observance.

The heart here: OutragePressure 8 · Bhakti 3

In the verse · SB 9.4.43
“Still hungry, Durvāsā Muni, his body trembling, his face curved and his eyebrows crooked in a frown, angrily spoke as follows to King Ambarīṣa, who stood before him with folded hands.”
Study this verse Chapter 9.4 Vedabase· Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation

Chapter on Vedabase

A question to carry

What apology or course correction would humility demand of me?

Plan a class on SB 9.5

Read alongside

Lives that answer this one

Two responses to offenseAmbarīṣa MahārājaOne keeps devotional composure while the other learns the cost of unrestrained anger.Compare The consequences of escalationSatīDifferent narratives reveal the terrible effects of offense, anger and unwillingness to yield. They are not equivalent moral situations.Compare