Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.10.8
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Supreme Lord Delights in Devotees’ Love
“Afterwards, when the Lord asked permission to depart and the King gave it, the Lord offered His respects to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira by bowing down at his feet, and the King embraced Him. After this the Lord, being embraced by others and receiving their obeisances, got into His chariot.”
What the purport teaches
- Before departing, Lord Kṛṣṇa received permission and bowed at Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira’s feet as His elder cousin. The King embraced Him as a younger brother.
- Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira knew that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although no one is greater than or equal to Him, the Lord enjoys being treated as younger by His loving devotees.
- These exchanges are transcendental pastimes, not ordinary social dealings. Bhīma and Arjuna embraced the Lord as equals in age, while the younger Nakula and Sahadeva bowed before Him.
Try this today
Pause today to express affection for Kṛṣṇa in a few sincere words, remembering that He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Ask yourself
How does the Lord’s delight in His devotees’ affection deepen my understanding of devotional 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.