Balarāma Humbles the Kurus and Rescues Sāmba
नूनं नानामदोन्नद्धा: शान्तिं नेच्छन्त्यसाधव: । तेषां हि प्रशमो दण्ड: पशूनां लगुडो यथा ॥ ३१ ॥
nūnaṁ nānā-madonnaddhāḥ śāntiṁ necchanty asādhavaḥ teṣāṁ hi praśamo daṇḍaḥ paśūnāṁ laguḍo yathā
नूनं नानामदोन्नद्धा: शान्तिं नेच्छन्त्यसाधव: । तेषां हि प्रशमो दण्ड: पशूनां लगुडो यथा ॥
This verse says the wicked, intoxicated by pride, do not seek peace; they are restrained only when checked by firm discipline (daṇḍa).
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks while narrating the conflict-filled events around Śālva and the hostile kings, highlighting that some aggressors cannot be pacified by gentle means.
It teaches discernment: respond to sincere people with peace, but set clear boundaries and consequences for harmful, unrepentant behavior.