Shloka 7
The Sūtas Foretell the Glories and Future Deeds of King Pṛthu
तितिक्षत्यक्रमं वैन्य उपर्याक्रमतामपि । भूतानां करुण: शश्वदार्तानां क्षितिवृत्तिमान् ॥ ७ ॥
titikṣaty akramaṁ vainya upary ākramatām api bhūtānāṁ karuṇaḥ śaśvad ārtānāṁ kṣiti-vṛttimān
King Pṛthu, the son of Vainya, will be ever compassionate to all citizens. Even if some poor man violates the rules as though trampling upon the king’s very head, he will, by causeless mercy, forget and forgive. As guardian of the world, he will be tolerant like the earth itself.
King Pṛthu is herein compared to the earthly planet as far as his tolerance is concerned. Although the earth is always trampled upon by men and animals, it still gives food to them by producing grains, fruits and vegetables. As an ideal king, Mahārāja Pṛthu is compared to the earthly planet, for even though some citizens might violate the rules and regulations of the state, he would still be tolerant and maintain them with fruits and grains. In other words, it is the duty of the king to look after the comforts of the citizens, even at the cost of his own personal convenience. This is not the case, however, in Kali-yuga, for in Kali-yuga the kings and heads of state enjoy life at the cost of taxes exacted from the citizens. Such unfair taxation makes the people dishonest, and the people try to hide their income in so many ways. Eventually the state will not be able to collect taxes and consequently will not be able to meet its huge military and administrative expenses. Everything will collapse, and there will be chaos and disturbance all over the state.
FAQs
This verse highlights tolerance, compassion for all beings, and practical understanding of nature (the earth’s ways) as key qualities of a dharmic king like Pṛthu.
Because he was compassionate toward the suffering citizens and understood the earth’s nature; he restrained anger to prioritize the welfare of all beings.
Endure provocation without losing dharma, and respond with empathy—especially when others act from fear or constraint—so that actions reduce suffering rather than increase conflict.