Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 4
The Slaying of Hiraṇyākṣa and the Triumph of Varāha
स तदा लब्धतीर्थोऽपि न बबाधे निरायुधम् । मानयन् स मृधे धर्मं विष्वक्सेनं प्रकोपयन् ॥ ४ ॥
sa tadā labdha-tīrtho ’pi na babādhe nirāyudham mānayan sa mṛdhe dharmaṁ viṣvaksenaṁ prakopayan
Walau saat itu ia mendapat kesempatan terbaik, sang asura tidak menyerang lawan yang tak bersenjata. Dengan menghormati dharma duel, ia justru membangkitkan murka Viśvaksena, Tuhan Yang Mahatinggi.
FAQs
In this verse, the Lord (Viṣvaksena) does not strike the enemy when he is unarmed, showing adherence to yuddha-dharma—righteous conduct even in combat.
Although He had an opening, He honored the moral code of battle; by restraining Himself, He intensified the opponent’s agitation and sustained a dharmic contest.
Even when you have the advantage, avoid exploiting someone when they are vulnerable; uphold fairness and ethics, especially in conflict, competition, or debate.