Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.10.32
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa Accepts His Devotees’ Loving Care
“Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, although no one’s enemy, engaged four divisions of defense [horse, elephant, chariot and army] to accompany Lord Kṛṣṇa, the enemy of the asuras [demons]. The Mahārāja did this because of the enemy, and also out of affection for the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira knew that Kṛṣṇa is everyone’s friend and well-wisher, yet some were envious of Him. Out of affection and concern about attack, he arranged four divisions of defense.
- Kṛṣṇa was fully able to protect Himself, but He accepted the arrangements of His elder cousin. In His transcendental pastimes, the Lord sometimes accepts a subordinate position.
- The exchanges between the Lord and His devotees bring incomparable transcendental bliss. His acceptance of loving protection is a pastime, not a sign of actual helplessness.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, remember that the Lord accepts loving care even though He needs no protection.
Ask yourself
How does Kṛṣṇa’s acceptance of loving care deepen my understanding of service?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.