Shloka 41
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
विप्रं कृतागसमपि नैव द्रुह्यत मामका: । घ्नन्तं बहु शपन्तं वा नमस्कुरुत नित्यश: ॥ ४१ ॥
vipraṁ kṛtāgasam api naiva druhyata māmakāḥ ghnantaṁ bahu śapantaṁ vā namas-kuruta nityaśaḥ
My dear followers, never act harshly toward a learned brāhmaṇa, even if he has sinned. Even if he strikes you or repeatedly curses you, always continue to offer him obeisances.
Lord Kṛṣṇa offers this instruction not only to His personal associates but to all those who claim to be followers of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
In SB 10.64.41, Śrī Kṛṣṇa tells His followers not to be hostile to a brāhmaṇa even if he has committed an offense, and to remain respectful even if one is struck or repeatedly cursed.
In this chapter’s moral teaching (within the Nṛga narrative), Kṛṣṇa emphasizes dharma and Vaiṣṇava humility: social and spiritual order is protected by honoring brāhmaṇas, and a devotee should not retaliate but maintain respectful conduct.
Practice restraint and humility: do not retaliate in anger, keep respectful speech and behavior, and choose a dharmic response—especially toward elders, teachers, and those in spiritual roles—while maintaining inner steadiness in devotion.