Non - Violence

Non - Violence
Janmejay is filled with rage

In the previous blog, "Use your time wisely" Sukhdev recounted the Bhagavat Puran to King Pareekshith for an entire week. On the seventh day, the snake Takshak bit King Pareekshith, causing his death.

Janmejay's Revenge

Sacrificial Bonfire

When the news of King Pareekshith’s death reached his son, Janmejay, he became furious and vowed to avenge his father’s death. He asked renowned sages to perform a yagya (fire sacrifice) to summon all the world's snakes to come and fall into the sacrificial bonfire. The sages chanted mantras and summoned all the snakes. The snakes started coming out from their habitat and falling into the bonfire, where they burned to death. At the same time, sage Narad Ji was passing by and saw all the snakes being killed.

Sage Narad Ji's Wisdom

Sage Narad Ji advising Janmejay

Sage Narad Ji approached the sacrificial bonfire and called out to Janmejay. He welcomed sage Narad ji with his folded hands and gave him a seat to sit down. Narad Ji asked Janmejay “What are you doing? Why are these snakes being killed in the bonfire?” Janmejay responded, “Takshak snake killed my father, and I have vowed to wipe off the entire species from the planet Earth.” Narad Ji said, “Janmejay, one snake bit your father, and you are taking revenge by killing all the snakes. You could have summoned that snake and burned it in the sacrificial bonfire. This planet Earth is a creation of God Brahma, and by killing all these snakes, you are committing a grave sin. The Vedas proclaim that one should not indulge in violence and not harm any creature, whereas this act of yours is harming innocent snakes who did not harm you or your deceased father.”

Forgiveness

Janmejay ask forgiveness and feeds milk to the snakes

Janmejay promptly halted the yagya upon recognizing his mistake. Sage Narad Ji advised, “Janmejay, seek forgiveness from the remaining snakes and honour them through worship.” Janmejay's act is a powerful example, advocating compassion for all and discouraging vengeful killings.

Summary

This story illustrates that violence cannot be used to justify any act of vengeance. Violence can only cause destruction, harm, misery and pain. 

Moral  

Forgiveness is the path to peace and serenity, the key to resolving any problem.