Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 3
Rahūgaṇa Meets Jaḍa Bharata: The Shaking Palanquin and the Teaching Beyond Body-Identity
अथ त ईश्वरवच: सोपालम्भमुपाकर्ण्योपायतुरीयाच्छङ्कितमनसस्तं विज्ञापयांबभूवु: ॥ ३ ॥
atha ta īśvara-vacaḥ sopālambham upākarṇyopāya-turīyāc chaṅkita-manasas taṁ vijñāpayāṁ babhūvuḥ.
抬轿者听到罗呼伽那王带着责骂与威吓的话语，因惧怕惩罚而心惊胆战，便开始向国王如此禀告。
According to political science, a king sometimes tries to pacify his subordinates, sometimes chastises them, sometimes divides them and sometimes rewards them. In this way the king rules his subordinates. The bearers of the palanquin could understand that the King was angry and that he would chastise them.
FAQs
This verse shows that when reproved by a higher authority, one should become thoughtful rather than defensive and respectfully submit an explanation—an essential step toward humility and learning.
Because the master’s rebuke signaled displeasure and possible consequences; being “hard-pressed,” they quickly tried to clarify the situation to him.
Pause, reflect, and respond respectfully with clarity—treat correction as guidance for self-improvement rather than an attack on ego.