Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 40
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
पुंस: कृपयतो भद्रे सर्वात्मा प्रीयते हरि: । प्रीते हरौ भगवति प्रीयेऽहं सचराचर: । तस्मादिदं गरं भुञ्जे प्रजानां स्वस्तिरस्तु मे ॥ ४० ॥
puṁsaḥ kṛpayato bhadre sarvātmā prīyate hariḥ prīte harau bhagavati prīye ’haṁ sacarācaraḥ tasmād idaṁ garaṁ bhuñje prajānāṁ svastir astu me
My dear gentle wife Bhavānī, when one performs benevolent activities for others, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, is very pleased. And when the Lord is pleased, I am also pleased, along with all other living creatures. Therefore, let me drink this poison, for all the living entities may thus become happy because of me.
FAQs
This verse states that Hari, the Supersoul of all, becomes pleased when a person acts with compassion; mercy is presented as a direct way to please the Supreme Lord.
In the context of the ocean-churning, deadly poison appeared; Lord Śiva reassures Pārvatī that compassion pleases Hari and, for the welfare of all beings, he will personally consume the poison.
Practice compassion and service for the well-being of others; the Bhagavatam links such mercy with pleasing God and bringing auspiciousness to society.