Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 28
Balarāma Slays Balvala and Visits Sacred Tīrthas; He Attempts to Stop Bhīma–Duryodhana
न तद्वाक्यं जगृहतुर्बद्धवैरौ नृपार्थवत् । अनुस्मरन्तावन्योन्यं दुरुक्तं दुष्कृतानि च ॥ २८ ॥
na tad-vākyaṁ jagṛhatur baddha-vairau nṛpārthavat anusmarantāv anyonyaṁ duruktaṁ duṣkṛtāni ca
[Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued:] They did not accept Lord Balarāma’s request, O King, although it was logical, for their mutual enmity was irrevocable. Each of them constantly remembered the insults and injuries he had suffered from the other.
FAQs
This verse explains that when people are bound by hostility, they cannot accept good counsel; they keep replaying insults and wrongs, which blocks reconciliation.
Because their rivalry was deep-rooted; instead of hearing the adviser as a genuine well-wisher, they fixated on each other’s past harsh words and misdeeds.
To resolve conflicts, stop rehearsing past insults and focus on constructive counsel; otherwise, resentment will prevent even sincere advice from being received.