Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 4
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
किं व उच्चरितैर्मातुर्धावद्भि: पृष्ठतो हतै: । न हि भीतवध: श्लाघ्यो न स्वर्ग्य: शूरमानिनाम् ॥ ४ ॥
kiṁ va uccaritair mātur dhāvadbhiḥ pṛṣṭhato hataiḥ na hi bhīta-vadhaḥ ślāghyo na svargyaḥ śūra-māninām
Hỡi chư thiên, bọn binh lính asura này sinh ra thật vô ích; chúng từ thân mẹ mà ra như thứ ô uế. Giết kẻ thù từ phía sau khi họ đang chạy trốn vì sợ hãi thì có ích gì? Người tự nhận là anh hùng không giết đối thủ đang khiếp đảm. Sự giết chóc ấy chẳng vinh quang, cũng không đưa đến cõi trời.
Vṛtrāsura rebuked both the demigods and the demoniac soldiers because the demons were running in fear of their lives and the demigods were killing them from behind. The actions of both were abominable. When a fight takes place, the opposing parties must be prepared to fight like heroes. A hero never runs from the field of battle. He always fights face to face, determined to gain victory or lay down his life in the fight. That is heroic. Killing an enemy from behind is also inglorious. When an enemy turns his back and runs in fear of his life, he should not be killed. This is the etiquette of military science.
FAQs
This verse condemns killing those who flee in fear—such a kill is not praised and does not lead to heavenly merit for one claiming to be heroic.
In their confrontation, Vṛtrāsura challenges Indra’s warrior honor, implying that true heroism is shown in facing a worthy opponent, not striking down the terrified from behind.
Act with integrity and courage—do not exploit others when they are vulnerable; real strength is ethical restraint and fair conduct, even in conflict.