Shloka 36
Adhyāya 222 — ब्रह्मस्थानप्राप्ति: मोक्षधर्मे समत्वव्रतम्
Attaining the Brahman-Station: The Vow of Equanimity in Mokṣadharma
इत्युक्तो दैत्यपतिना शक्रो विस्मयमागमत् | प्रीतिमांश्व॒ तदा राजंस्तद्वाक्यं प्रत्यपूजयत्
ity ukto daityapatinā śakro vismayam āgamat | prītimāṁś ca tadā rājan tad-vākyaṁ pratyapūjayat |
Thus addressed by the lord of the Daityas, Indra was struck with astonishment. Then, O king, filled with delight, he honored and praised those words—recognizing in the enemy’s counsel a surprising nobility and a commitment to right conduct.
प्रह्माद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when wisdom comes from an opponent, it deserves recognition. Dharma includes the capacity to honor truthful, beneficial speech regardless of the speaker’s affiliation.
After the Daitya leader speaks, Indra (Śakra) is amazed; then, pleased, he responds by honoring and praising the statement, indicating respect for the moral force of the words.