Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 30
The Lord Appears to the Devas and Instructs the Truce; Mandara Is Brought for Churning
महेन्द्र: श्लक्ष्णया वाचा सान्त्वयित्वा महामति: । अभ्यभाषत तत् सर्वं शिक्षितं पुरुषोत्तमात् ॥ ३० ॥
mahendraḥ ślakṣṇayā vācā sāntvayitvā mahā-matiḥ abhyabhāṣata tat sarvaṁ śikṣitaṁ puruṣottamāt
After pleasing Bali Mahārāja with mild words, Lord Indra, the King of the demigods, who was most intelligent, very politely submitted all the proposals he had learned from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Viṣṇu.
FAQs
This verse highlights Indra’s obedience: he speaks to others only after receiving and faithfully conveying the guidance taught by Puruṣottama (Lord Viṣṇu).
In the tense context of devas negotiating with asuras, Indra used soft speech to calm emotions so Lord Viṣṇu’s strategy could be communicated and accepted without provoking conflict.
First de-escalate with respectful words, then communicate decisions aligned with higher principles (dharma), rather than reacting impulsively or egoistically.