Shloka 7
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
वेनस्यावेक्ष्य मुनयो दुर्वृत्तस्य विचेष्टितम् । विमृश्य लोकव्यसनं कृपयोचु: स्म सत्रिण: ॥ ७ ॥
venasyāvekṣya munayo durvṛttasya viceṣṭitam vimṛśya loka-vyasanaṁ kṛpayocuḥ sma satriṇaḥ
Observing the misdeeds of the wicked Vena, the sages—performers of sacrifice—considered that a great calamity was approaching the people. Out of compassion, they conferred among themselves.
Before King Vena was enthroned, all the great sages were very much anxious to see to the welfare of society. When they saw that King Vena was most irresponsible, cruel and atrocious, they again began to think of the welfare of the people. It should be understood that sages, saintly persons and devotees are not unconcerned with the people’s welfare. Ordinary karmīs are busy acquiring money for sense gratification, and ordinary jñānīs are socially aloof when they speculate on liberation, but actual devotees and saintly persons are always anxious to see how the people can be made happy both materially and spiritually. Therefore the great sages began to consult one another on how to get out of the dangerous atmosphere created by King Vena.
FAQs
This verse shows that when a ruler becomes durvṛtta (wicked in conduct), the people suffer (loka-vyasana), and saintly sages recognize the danger and deliberate how to protect dharma.
Because they reflected on the growing distress of the citizens and, out of compassion (kṛpayā), felt compelled to respond rather than remain silent during their sacrificial assembly.
The verse emphasizes thoughtful discernment (vimṛśya) and compassionate responsibility—raise concerns and act to reduce harm while aiming to restore ethical order.