Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 13
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
एवमध्यवसायैनं मुनयो गूढमन्यव: । उपव्रज्याब्रुवन् वेनं सान्त्वयित्वा च सामभि: ॥ १३ ॥
evam adhyavasāyainaṁ munayo gūḍha-manyavaḥ upavrajyābruvan venaṁ sāntvayitvā ca sāmabhiḥ
Setelah memutuskan demikian, para resi agung mendekati Raja Vena. Menyembunyikan kemarahan mereka, mereka menenangkannya dengan kata-kata manis lalu berbicara sebagai berikut.
FAQs
This verse shows the sages first using sāma—calm, conciliatory speech—approaching the ruler respectfully while restraining anger, before delivering firm instruction.
Because Vena was powerful and proud; the sages concealed their anger and tried to pacify him first so that their dharmic counsel could be heard without immediate hostility.
When addressing wrongdoing, begin with respectful, calming communication and self-control; then speak truth clearly—especially when guiding leaders, elders, or difficult personalities.