Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 8
Viśvarūpa’s Death, Vṛtrāsura’s Manifestation, and the Devas’ Surrender to Nārāyaṇa
तुर्यं छेदविरोहेण वरेण जगृहुर्द्रुमा: । तेषां निर्यासरूपेण ब्रह्महत्या प्रदृश्यते ॥ ८ ॥
turyaṁ cheda-viroheṇa vareṇa jagṛhur drumāḥ teṣāṁ niryāsa-rūpeṇa brahma-hatyā pradṛśyate
In return for Indra’s benediction that their branches and twigs would grow back when trimmed, the trees accepted one fourth of the reactions for killing a brāhmaṇa. These reactions are visible in the flowing of sap from trees. [Therefore one is forbidden to drink this sap.]
FAQs
This verse explains that trees accepted a portion of the brahma-hatyā reaction, and that reaction is perceived as resin (niryāsa) flowing from them.
They accepted one fourth of the reaction in exchange for a boon: even when cut, they would grow again (regrowth after cutting).
It highlights that actions carry consequences that may be shared or transferred through agreements, so one should act responsibly, seek dharmic solutions, and avoid harmful acts that create heavy reactions.