Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 13
Brahmā Worships Vāmana; the Demons Attack; Bali is Bound and Questioned About the Third Step
तस्मादस्य वधो धर्मो भर्तु: शुश्रूषणं च न: । इत्यायुधानि जगृहुर्बलेरनुचरासुरा: ॥ १३ ॥
tasmād asya vadho dharmo bhartuḥ śuśrūṣaṇaṁ ca naḥ ity āyudhāni jagṛhur baler anucarāsurāḥ
Kaya't tungkulin nating patayin ang Vāmanadeva na ito, ang Panginoong Viṣṇu. Ito ang ating prinsipyong panrelihiyon at ang paraan upang mapaglingkuran ang ating panginoon. Matapos gawin ang desisyong ito, ang mga demonyong tagasunod ni Bali Mahārāja ay kumuha ng kanilang mga sandata na may layuning patayin si Vāmanadeva.
FAQs
This verse shows how the Asuras label violence as “dharma” to defend their master, illustrating that duty without devotion and right understanding can become distorted and opposed to the Lord.
Seeing Vāmana as an obstacle to Bali’s position and victory, they justified attacking Him as their duty to protect and serve their master, and therefore seized their weapons.
Before calling something “duty,” examine whether it aligns with truth, compassion, and service to God; loyalty or ideology without discernment can lead to harmful actions.