Jagai and Madhai Learn Kindness

Illustration 1. Two brothers named Jagai and Madhai lived in Navadvipa. They often shouted and hurt people, so everyone kept away from them.

Illustration 2. Nityananda Prabhu wished to help them too. He went to the brothers with Haridasa and the holy name.

Illustration 3. “Please chant Krishna’s name,” the devotees asked. The brothers became angry and chased them away.

Illustration 4. Nityananda did not lose hope. Behind their harsh behavior, He saw souls who were also dear to Krishna.

Illustration 5. Another day, Nityananda approached the brothers again. In anger, Madhai threw a piece of a clay pot.

Illustration 6. The shard struck Nityananda, but He did not return harm for harm. “I forgive you,” He said calmly.

Illustration 7. Madhai raised another shard. Jagai caught his hand and stopped him.

Illustration 8. When Gaura heard what had happened, He hurried to protect Nityananda. His face became serious.

Illustration 9. But Nityananda asked the Lord to give the brothers mercy. He explained that Jagai had already made one good choice.

Illustration 10. Gaura embraced Jagai. For the first time in many years, Jagai felt pure joy.

Illustration 11. Madhai also begged forgiveness. Nityananda forgave him, and the Lord accepted both brothers.

Illustration 12. Jagai and Madhai wept and decided to stop hurting others. They began to chant the holy names.

Illustration 13. Saying sorry also means repairing the harm we caused. So the brothers began serving the people they had once frightened.

Illustration 14. The people of Navadvipa saw how deeply their hearts had changed. No one was afraid beside them anymore.

Illustration 15. Gaura and Nitai rejoiced with everyone. The Lord’s mercy was stronger than old mistakes.

Authoritative sources

The story and its short spiritual teaching were checked against these editions of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books:

• Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 17.17
• Bhagavad-gītā As It Is 9.30–31