Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 39
Dhruva’s Humiliation, Sunīti’s Counsel, and Nārada’s Bhakti-Yoga Instruction
मैत्रेय उवाच इत्युदाहृतमाकर्ण्य भगवान्नारदस्तदा । प्रीत: प्रत्याह तं बालं सद्वाक्यमनुकम्पया ॥ ३९ ॥
maitreya uvāca ity udāhṛtam ākarṇya bhagavān nāradas tadā prītaḥ pratyāha taṁ bālaṁ sad-vākyam anukampayā
Maitreya dit : En entendant les paroles de Dhruva Mahārāja, le vénérable Nārada Muni fut saisi d’une profonde compassion et, pour manifester sa miséricorde sans cause, donna à l’enfant un conseil éclairé.
Since the great sage Nārada is the foremost spiritual master, naturally his only activity is to bestow the greatest benefit upon whomever he meets. Dhruva Mahārāja, however, was a child, and so his demand was also that of a playful child. Still, the great sage became compassionate toward him, and for his welfare he spoke the following verses.
FAQs
This verse shows that Nārada responds with compassion and truthful words when he hears a sincere devotee’s plea, highlighting the guru’s mercy in bhakti.
After hearing Dhruva’s earnest words, Nārada became pleased and, moved by compassion for the young boy, began to instruct him with beneficial counsel.
Seek guidance from genuine saintly teachers and also speak truthfully with empathy—firm in principle but gentle in delivery—when helping others spiritually.