Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 26
Purañjana Captivated by Lust; Time (Caṇḍavega) and Old Age (Kālakanyā) Begin the Siege
अथो भजस्व मां भद्र भजन्तीं मे दयां कुरु । एतावान् पौरुषो धर्मो यदार्ताननुकम्पते ॥ २६ ॥
atho bhajasva māṁ bhadra bhajantīṁ me dayāṁ kuru etāvān pauruṣo dharmo yad ārtān anukampate
卡拉坎雅（Kālakanyā）接着说：温和的人啊，我现在在你面前为你服务。请接受我，从而向我展示仁慈。对痛苦的人表示同情是绅士最大的责任。
Yavana-rāja, the King of the Yavanas, could also refuse to accept Kālakanyā, daughter of Time, but he considered the request due to the order of Nārada Muni. Thus he accepted Kālakanyā in a different way. In other words, the injunctions of Nārada Muni, or the path of devotional service, can be accepted by anyone within the three worlds, and certainly by the King of the Yavanas. Lord Caitanya Himself requested everyone to preach the cult of bhakti-yoga all over the world, in every village and town. Preachers in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement have actually experienced that even the yavanas and mlecchas have taken to spiritual life on the strength of Nārada Muni’s pāñcarātrika-vidhi. When mankind follows the disciplic succession, as recommended by Caitanya Mahāprabhu, everyone throughout the world will benefit.
FAQs
This verse defines real noble duty (pauruṣa-dharma) as showing mercy and compassion to those who are afflicted (ārtān anukampate).
In the allegorical dialogue, he appeals to his devoted companion to respond with compassion—highlighting that genuine righteousness is expressed through mercy within relationships and toward the suffering.
Make compassion practical: support someone in distress through kind speech, timely help, charity, and devotional conduct that reduces others’ suffering rather than increasing it.