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
स तदा लब्धतीर्थोऽपि निरायुधं न बबाधे; मृधे धर्मं मानयन् स विष्वक्सेनं प्रकोपयामास ॥
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.