Catastrophic Result of Mishandled Anger

A concise summary of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1 Chapter 18

Emperor Parikshit allowed the personification of the “Age of Kali” to reside in gambling, intoxication, brothels, slaughterhouses, and gold. He didn’t hate Kali because he perfectly knew that this current cycle of time is Kali’s. He also knew that Kali brings the following benefits:

• Good actions bear fruits quickly

• A sinful thought doesn’t yield a reaction until it is committed

The Age of Kali has no effect on the spiritually powerful people who know what actions to perform, how to perform, and how to control their actions. The Lord’s actions and qualities are boundless that even gods find it hard to comprehend at times. One who listens and understands the reasoning behind the Lord’s wonderful actions becomes spiritually empowered with ease. A moment of association with such people transforms us completely.

The qualification to become a spiritually empowered person has nothing to do with birth but by serving the other elevated sages and by chanting the names of the Supreme Person. Sage Suta who was the greatest sages of that time was not born in a Brahmana family.

Once Emperor Parikshit went hunting in the jungle. He became tired after some time and was hungry and thirsty. He entered the hermitage of Sage Angiras which was nearby looking for water and food. Kshatriyas (kings) would go hunting to keep abreast of their archery skills but not kill and eat meat. If the intent was to eat meat, the emperor wouldn’t have to go to the hermitage looking for food.

The sage was in trance in the state of meditation. The emperor’s plea for food and water wasn’t recognized by the sage. He felt disrespected and disregarded. He is a spiritually elevated king, well-learned and self-controlled, however, under the influence of Kali, who took shelter right in his golden crown (on his head), became angry. He placed a dead snake on the shoulder of the sage and left the hermitage to return to his palace. He later regretted his action.

The sage’s son, Shringi, got angry about the treatment his father received from the emperor. He thought the leaders are meant to be the protectors of the sages but when the leaders become the transgressors, they should be punished. He cursed that the emperor will meet his death by the live snake “Takshaka” in 7 days.

Having heard that the emperor was cursed by his son, Sage Angiras didn’t compliment his action, but rather coached him as follows:

• Such a heavy punishment for a minor act is not acceptable

• The curse doesn’t befit the dharma of the sages

• The spiritually elevated emperors like Parikshit are required:

  • To keep away the influence of Kali

  • Support the needs of the sages so that they could practice their austerities

  • Protect women, children, and innocent animals

  • Prevent social disruptions

The sage prayed to the Lord to pardon his son because he had immaturely punished a great devotee. The Lord is protective of his devotees. The devotees even though powerful don’t retaliate but rather see that as an opportunity to uplift themselves to become pure and become closer to the Lord. A devotee is neither delighted nor distressed by the pleasure and pain because their minds are focused on the Super Soul (Paramatma).

The sage sent a message to the emperor to warn about the imminent danger. The emperor was protected by the Lord when he was in the womb of his mother. As a devotee, he is always under the protection of the Lord. It is possible for Parikshit to seek immunity from this curse from the Lord.

This narration addresses the catastrophic outcomes of mishandled anger, the duty of citizens in sustaining a good ruler, and the duty of a father in coaching his children.